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OF THE 



4MERICAN REVOLUTION 



INTENDED AS 



A READING-BOOK 



FOR 



SC11001.S. 



BY SAMUEL WILLIAMS. LL. D. 



PRINTED AND PUBLtS^ED BY W< STOKER, JVN, 

1824. 



tcH^ i 



JS'orthem District of JVew-Yo7'k^ to wit: 

.^^^^ BE IT REMEMBERED, That on tJie eighteenth 
jC^rf^^^ day of April, in the Ibrty-seventh year of the Iiide- 
■^^^'^«^^ P^"*^^"*^*^ °^ ^^^ United States of America, A. D. 
■^^^^^^ LS23, W1T.LIAM Stoker, Junior, of the said dis- 

^'ffff^'^ trict, has deposited in this office the title oi' a book, 
the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words follow- 
ing-, to wit: "A History of the American Revolution : Intended 
" as a Reading-Book for Schools. By Samuel Will.ams, LL. D." 
In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, en- 
titled '■'' An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing 
the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and projjri- 
eiors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned ;" and 
also, to the act entitled " An act supplementary to an act entitled 
' An act for the encouragement of learning, by securmg the co- 
pies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of 
such copies, during the times therein mentioned,' and extending 
the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving and etch- 
ing historical and ether prints." 

RICHARD R. LANSING, Clerk 
of the Korttiern District of J^ftw-York. 



PUEFACE 



Hi* 



« O render more perfect our knowledge of c\nj par- 
i^uiar country or government, together with the poht- 
ical principles by which they are actuated in the man- 
agement of their national alTairs, it is highly iniportrmt 
that we should mal^e ourselves acquainted with their 
origin, and the causes which induced their establish- 
ment as an independent nali.n. And when this (Lnowl- 
edge relates to our own coiintry, it becomes doubly 
important and interesting. 

Strange as it may seem, tliere has never been intro- 
duced into our schools, a short, comprehensive, and 
cheap history of the American revolution and war — an 
event which gave birth to an independent nation, and 
filled the gazing v/orld vAth astonishment — an event 
which tanj;bt the sovereigns of Europe that their sys- 
tem of enslaving the world was ill founded and chimeri- 
cal ; that there was sufficient energy, in at least a part 
of the huurrin race, to assert their rights, and, thus as- 
serted, to maintain them — an event which ought to be 
held in sacred remembrance by the citizens of this 
great republic, and handed down, from one generati^ 
to another, to -the latest posterity. 

The more common accounts of this great and>^ 

/^wQ at* 
tant occurrence, which have been published' 

tached to large and expensive volumes, ^^^^^^ 



ly PREFACE. 

be owner! but by a small portion of the community, 
who are favored with the possession of wealth. These 
volumes are usuilly devoted to general subjects, among 
which, the American revolution is occasionally crowd- 
ed in ; and, from the magnitude of the volume, it is not 
unfrequently suffered to reniiin unmolested in the li 
brary, even by those who have been able to purchos'^ 

And why has the American public been suffered to 
remain so long without a work of this kind, comprised 
in such a form that it may be in the possession of every 
lamily ? This question cannot be answered, without 
giving the blush to every enlightened American. Shall 
it be said, that we have not sufficient respect for the 
exertions of oar ancestors, who gloriously offered their 
blood a willing sacrilice on the altar of Freedom, that 
we their sons might enjoy the blessings of lib:Mty and 
independence ? Humiliating as is such a reflection, yet 
(from the silence and obscurity in which this subject 
has been suffered to remain) it appears but too justly 
to attach itself to us as a people. 

That the rising generation be made acquaitfted with 
the leading events which produced our sepai'c'.tion from 
the crown of Great Britain, and our establishment as an 
independent nation, is an object of the utmost impor- 
tance. The same causes which impelled our forefa- 
thers to declare to the world, that "these united colo- 
nies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent 
/tes," still continue to urge the necessity of instilling 
. he minds of our youth the principles of republi- 

a love of liberty— -and a hatred and abhof^ 

rence of i 

%''^anny. 



PREFACE. 

Next to inc. Bible, the History of the American Rev 
elation is most de-servedly entitled to the attention and 
reverence of the youth of our country. Here they 
may be m;ide acquainted with the impositions and op- 
pression to which their ancestors were subject, while 
these United States were colonies dependant on the 
British crown. Here may be found a detail of the 
causes which led to the publication of that sacred in- 
strument, the Declaration of American Independence, 
Here is preserved and laid down, a narrative of the 
privations and hardships which our fathers, the soldiers 
of the revolution, suffered and endured, to maintain 
and establish that independence. 

While in our schools and seminaries of learning, the 
rising generation are tauglit those branches of litera- 
ture which are to fit them for the various duties to be 
performed under the government, either as officers or 
private citizens, a history of the origin and principles 
of that government should not be neglected. A work 
of this kind has long been wanted in our common schools 
— and to supply this defect, the present volume is in- 
tended,, it was written as e^rly as the year 1795 ; 
but was never before published, except in the month- 
ly numbers of a periodical work of that day. From its 
early date, and the acknowledged correctness of Dr. 
Williams as a historian, it may be considered as a true 
and faithful narrative. 

The publisher has spared no pains to make a proper 

division of the subject into chapters and sections, the 

better to fit it for the purpose for which it is intended 

- — a reading-book for our common scnools. We have 

1^' 



VI PREFACE. 

also added, at the close of the volume, several orders 
and addresses of Gen. Washington, and other docu- 
ments published at the conclusion of the war ; together 
with the Constitution of the United States, and all the 
amendments which have been made to that instrument 
since its first adoption. These additions, it is hoped^ 
will contribute to render the work still more usefui 
and interesting. 

THE PUBLISHER. 
Nezi^Haven, March, 1824, 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. — Introduction.— State of the colonies after 
the war of 1763. — Their opinion of themselves. — Their - 
industry and ejiterprize. — Good government of them- 
selves. — Speculation on the cause of the war. — Obnox- 
ious bills passed by parliament. — Agreement not to im- 
port British goods Page 13 

CHAPTER II. — Stamp act.— Ferment among the Ameri- 
cans. — Stamp act repealed. — Opinion of Dr. Franklin. — 
Spirit of independence manifested. — Duty on tea, &:c. — 
Disturbances increase. — Assembly of Massachusetts pro- 
rogued 18 

CHAPTER III.— Tumult at Boston.—Dissolution of the 
assembly. — People form a convention. — Arrival of troops 
from England. — Parliament address the king. — Affray 
between the soldiers and Bostonians. — Repeal of duties. 
— New assembly. — Disavowal of the supremacy of par- 
liament 2S 

CHAPTER IV.— Destruction of tea in Boston harbor.— 
The king recommends vigorous measures for the subjec- 
tion of the colonies. — Port bill. — Canada bill 2S 

CHAPTER V. — Opposition in Massachusetts to Judge Ol- 
iver. — Arrival of Gen. Gage. — Assembly removed to Sa- 
lem. — General congress proposed. — Assembly again dis- 
solved. — Solemn league' and covenant of the Bostonians. 
— Governor's proclamation 32 

CHAPTER VI.— Meeting of the first congress.— Approval 
of the conduct of Massachusetts. — Letter to Gen. Gage, 
— Declaration of Ri,2,-hts. — Petition to the king, &c. — In- 
crease of the British forces. — Opposition to the courts. — 
Thirst for military knowledge 3& 

CHAPTER. VII.— Gen. Gage fortifies Boston neck.— In- 
dignation of the citizens. — General meeting of the inhab- 
itants of the adiacent ;ov.)is. — \'i'Xor:tr,s in'iiisures recoiu- 
iueuded. — Governor calli a gener^.l :i-:enibly. — Assembly 



Till ^ CONTENTS. 

vote themselves into a provincial congress. — Difficulty of 
providins: shelter and clothing- for the British troops. — 
Provincials provide money and arms for an army. — Pub- 
lic stores at Newport seized 39 

CHAPTER VIII.— Congress at Cambridge.— Minute men 
organized. — British attempt the seizure of arms at Salem. 
-—Commencement of hostilities at Lexington. — Destruc- 
tion of military stores at Concord. — 'British retreat, with 
considerable loss, to Boston.— Americans collect 20,000 
men, and block up the town of Boston. — Arrival of a re- 
inforcement from England. — Battle of Bunker's Hill. — 
Charlestown burnt. ,...„...„,.. 43 

CHAPTER IX. — General determination to resist the meas-- 
ures of the British government. — Rejection of Lord 
North's conciliatory scheme. — Congress resolve to estab- 
lish an army and paper currency. — Crown-Point and Ti- 
conderoga suz'prized and talcen by Colonels Allen and 
Eaton. — Articles of confederation drawn up and agreed to 
in congress. — Canadians resolve to preserve a neutrality. 49' 

CHAPTER X. — Britain attempts to engage the Indians in 
her cause. — Address of congress to the Indians, by which 
they are engaged to preserve a neutrality. — George 
Washing TO Ji appointed commander-in-chief of the 
American forces. — Georgia joins the confederacy. — Con- 
quest of Canada contemj^lated . — Reduction of Chamblee, 
— Sto Johns taken by the Americans. — Montreal, and the 
British shipping there, surrenders to the Americans. . 5S 

CHAPTER XI.~Col. Arnold arrives at Quebec with a. 
small force. — Gen. Montgomery also arrives. — The com- 
bined army attack Quebec. — Gen. Montgomery killed. 
— Col. Arnold wounded. — Part of the Americans surren- 
der. — Col. Arnold created brigadier-general. — Dispute 
between the Virginians and Lord "Dunmore, who aban- 
dons the government of the colony. — League with the 
Ohio Indians , 61 

CHAPTER XII.— Norfolk burnt by the British.— The 
governors of the Carolinas expelled the provinces. — Gen. 
Gage resigns his command to Gen. Howe. — Gen. Wash- 
ington attacks Boston. — Evacuation of the town by the 
British. — Declaration of Independence. — Second attack 
on Quebec proves unsuccessful. — Americans retire from 
Quebec. ,,,,. = ....,,, o.. 69' 



CONTENTS. IX 

CHAPTER XIIL— Affair at Sorel, and Gen. Thompson 
taken prisoner. — Americans retreat trom Canada. — Suc- 
cess of the Americans in N. Carolina and Virginia. — Ar- 
rival of a British fleet at Charleston, S. C. — Battle on 
^ Sullivan's Island 77 

CHAPTER XIV.— Com. Hopkins sails to the Bahama Isl- 
ands, and takes the ordnance and military stores. — Lord 
Howe arrives before New- York with a Bntish fleet. — 
Gen. Howe attempts a reconciliation. — An^^ricans defeat- 
ed near Flatbush, L. I. — Retreat from Lon^ Island. — 
Gen. Sullivan sent on an unsuccessful mission to cougress. 
— British, gain possession of New- York 84 

CHAPTER XV.— Great fire in New-York.— Battle at 
White Plains. — Forts in the neig-hborhood of New-Yorlr 
reduced by the British. — New-Jersey taken possession of 
by the British. — Sir Henry Clinton reduces Rhode-Isl- 
and. — British fit a fleet on Lake Chanijjlain. — Battle on 
the Lake 89 

CHAPTER XVI. — Decrease of the American army. — 
Gen. Lee taken prisouer. — British defeated at Trenton, 
and the tide of war turned in favor of America. — Retreat 

• of the Americans from Trenton. — Party of British defeat- 
ed at Princeton. — Fall of Gen. Mercer. — Danbury, Conn, 
burnt. — Gen. Wooster killed. — Sag--Harbor taken by the 
xA.mericans. — British Gen. Frescot taken T3risoner. — Bat- 
tle at Brandvwine creek. — Marquis de la Fayette wound- 
ed. . . 93 

CHAPTER XVII.— Philadelphia taken by tlic British.— 
Battle at Germantown. — -Destruction of two Briiisii siiips 
of war. — Americans aiianJou Slnd Islar.'.l and Red Bank. 
— Gen. Burgoyae's army reinforced. — b'ie;re of Ticoude- 
rog-a. — Disaster of the Americans near Skeenesborough. 
— Americans retire to Fort Edward. — British army ap- 
proaches Fort Edward. — Head-quarters of the American 
army formed at Saratoga. — Gen. Arnold takes station at 
Stillwater. — Col, St, Leger besieges f^ort Stanwix ; is 
deserted by the Indians ; and retreats with loss. , . . 101 

CHAPTER XVIII.~Gen. Burgoyne determines on reduc- 
ing Bennington. — Brave defence of that place by the 
Americans under Gen. Stark. — British army encamp 
near Saratoga, and are attacked and b-^aten l\v the Amer- 
icans. — Gen. Frazer killed. — Gen. A'tiold wounded. — 
Col, Breyman killed, — The Germans defeated with great 
slaughter. — 'Distress of the British army, for waiat of pre- 



X CONTENTS. 

visions, &c. — Gen. Burgoyne surrenders to Gen. Gates, 
by capitulation. — American works on the North river 
destroyed by Gen. Clinton. — Esopus burnt lOS 

CHAPTER XIX.— Treaty with France.— Favorable dis- 
position of Eurov;eau powers. — Go\'. Joliuslone attemr.ts 
to bribe members of conj^ress. — Evacuation of Philadel- 
phia, — Battle at Freehold. — Gen. Lee tried for ditobedi- 
ence of orders, and suspended from his command. — Count 
d'Estains: arrives with a fleet and troops from France. — 
Expedition against Rhode-Island. — Destruction of Amer- 
ican vessels, magazines, &c. at Buzzard's Bay.— Capture 
of sheep and cattle at Martina's Vineyard.— American 
cavalry dei'eated on the Nortli river.— Little Egg; Harbor 
reduced by the British.— Pulaski's legion surprized, and 
put t@ the sword 115 

CHAPTER XX.— Americar. expedition to West-Florida. 
-—British expedition to Georgia.— Savannah taken. — 
Georgia in possession of the British.— Americans 'defeated 
at Briar's Creek.— -British gain possession of St. James', 
St. John's, and Port B.oy ah— Count d'Estaing sails to the 
West-Indies ; is recalled to the United States ; contem- 
plates the recovery of Georgia ; arrives off the coast, and 
captures several vessels ; summons Gen. Prevent to sur- 
render Savannah.— The town assaulted.— Count Pulaski 
killed. — Count d'Estaing wounded 123 

CPIAPTER XXL— Expedition against Virginia.— Vessels, 
stores, &c. at Portsmouth destroyed.— American works 
at Verplank's and Stony Point reduced by the British.— 
Expedition to Connecticut. — Shipping and naval stores 
at New-Haven destroyed.— Fairfield, Norwalk, and 
Greenfield burnt.— Storming of Stony Point.— Unsuc- 
cessful attempt on Powles Hook. — American expedition 
to Penobscot river. — Spain joins the coniederacy against 
Great Britain, and invades West-Florida.— -iMilitary and 
naval operations there.— Gen. Sullivan's expedition 
against the Indians. — Indians defeated 130 

CHAPTER XXII.— Sir Henry Clinton sails to Charles- 
ton, S. C. with troops and armed ships, to aid in tlie attack 
on that place.— Charleston attacked. — American cavalry 
and militia deieated.— British under Lieut. Col. Taila- 
ton defeated.— Charleston siu-rendered to the British-.— 
Harbor of New- York shut up by the ice. — Unsuccessful 
expedition to Statea Island. — Gen. Clinton's proclama- 
tions .136 



CONTENTS. XI 

CHAPTER XXITI. — Congress continue to meet in Phila- 
deiplna.-"ile-rl itioa io erect h nioaMnieat to the memo- 
ry of Gen. Ii.jt ;oiii-, n .—-Depreciaiion of continental 
currency.— C-'i'i raliori of tiie 4th ol July at Philadel- 
phia. — i\l. '[en:rf Arrives wiLh a fleet and troops from 
Fi-auce.— U;ih.icres:-rdi expedition to New-Jersey.— De- 
feat of the A';i;;^iean^ iiui^er G^ra. Gaier, :a ho'ith-Caro- 
liua. — Anitncana under Gen. Siunpter del'eated. . . 143 

CIIAP'l'EFl XXIV.— TreacJiery of Gen. Arnold, who joins 
the Britisii arrny.— '■• .aj. Andre taken and executed as a 
spy.— Defeat of the Brdish and Lorios xmder xViaj. Fergu- 
son.— Gen. Siuiipter again defeated.— iVir. Laurens tak- 
en and confined in LoaJon, on a char2:e of hi^^h treason. 
— Disturl-auce amonj the i'cnnsyivania troops.— Defeat 
of the British under Col. Tarleton. ....... 149 

CHAPTETl XXV.— Lord Cornwallis crosses North-Caro- 
Jina, and erects the king's standard at Hillsborough.— 
Tories defeated by the Americans.— British under Gen. 
Arnold destroy stores, Sic. at Richmond.— Cannon found- 
ry at Westham destroyed. — British enter Vv limin- ton. — > 
Battle between the Br.tish under Lord Cornwallis and 
Americans under Gen. Greene, in which the latter is de- 
fea^ted.— Gen. Greene again defeated by Lord Kawdon. 
— Destruction of stores, &;c. m various parts of Virginia. 156 

CHAPTER XXVL— Action between the French and Eng- 
lish fleets, off the Capes of Virginia.— Americans defeat- 
ed under Lieut. Col. Simcoe.— Action near the Green 
Springs. — Action at Eutaw Springs. — New-London, in 
Conn, burnt by the British. — Fort Griswold taken.— 
Gen. Washington marches towards Virginia.— Lord 
Cornwallis takes post at Yorktown and Gloucester. . 164 

CHAPTER XXVIL— Action between the French and 

English fleets in the Chesapeake. — Gen. Washington 
blocks up tlie British army at Yorktown. — Sir Henry 
Clinton sails to the Cliesapeake with a large body of Brit- 
ish troops. — Surrender of the British army under Lord 
Cornwallis.— Inveteracy of the tories. — Sir Guy Carle- 
ton arrives at New- York, and negociations for peace 
are opened.— Georgia and Sbuth-Carolma evacuated by 
the British. — Great Britam acknowledges the indepen- 
dence of America. — British troops evacuate New- York. 
— Conclusiott of the war. « 169 



Xll GONTENTS, 

APPENDIX. 

General Order, issued by Gen. Washington, on the cessation 
of hostilities 177 

Address of Congress to Gen. Washington. . . . . . 180 

General Washington's Answer 181 

Farewell Orders of Gen. Washington to the armies of the 
United States o . 182 

The Answer . 186 

Address of Gen. Washington to Congress, on resigning his 
military commission 189 

The Answer. 190 

The Constitution of the United States 191 

Amendments to the Constitution of the United States. . 202 



HISTORY 

OF THE 

AMERICAN REVOLUl ION> 

:o: 

CHAPTER I. 

introduction,' — Stji^c ':(f thecolonk's after the war of i7€>3. — Their 
opinion of thenischc.;;.-— Their in:iuftry und enlerprize. — Good 
government of tlieniselves. — Spceitiation on tlie cauic of the 
tvar. — Obnoxious bills passed by Farliaaieut. — Agreement not 
to import British goods. 

IT has hitherto been remnrked, that the lre?j,iniiiiig of 
every pohtical establishment is conteiiiptiJ^Ie, Some 
few banditti, taking refuge anion;;- the nir-rshcs on the 
banks of the Tiber-, laid the foimdation oi the llcmrn 
empire : and it in-iv, pesh;'^)^, be said, that llie ti:iLr.~ 
ience of some North-Americans, ar.d the bir'u'ers of 
some British st;>.lesmen, gave birth to this new repiddic, 
which, at some future period^ bids fair to tiiirpass i:-\ en 
the splendor of Rome. 

The state of the British colonies at the ccncliipirn of 
the war in 1763, was such as attracted th^ attention of 
all the poHticians in Europe, Their iionrishing c( ndi- 
tion at that period was remarkable and strikii;g : tl:«:ir 
trade had prospered in the midst of all the diincnrJi s 
and distresses of a war in which they were so neaily 
and so immedititely concerned. Their population coi> 
tinued on the increase, notwithstanding the ravages and 
depredations that had been so fiercely carried on by tlie 
French, and tlie native Indians in their alliance, 'i'hey 
abounded with spirited and active individuals of all de- 

9 



14 HISTORY OF THE 

nominations. They were flushed with the uncommoii 
prosperity that had attended them, in their commercial 
affairs and mihtary transactions. Hence they were rea- 
dy for all kinds of undertakings, and saw no limits to 
their hopes and expectation-?. 

As they entertained the highest opinion of their value 
and importance, and of the immense benefit that Britain 
derived from its connection with them, their notions 
were adequately high in their own favor. They deem- 
ed themselves, not without reason, entitled to every 
kindness and indulgence which the mother country 
could bestow. 

Although their pretensions did not amount to a per- 
fect equality of advantciges and privileges in matters of 
commerce, yet in those of government they thought 
themselves fully competent to the task of conducting 
their domestic concei-ns, with little or no interference 
from abroad. Though willing to admit the supremacy 
of Great Britain, they viev/ed it with a sus})icious eye, 
and with a marked desire to restrain it within it« strict 
constitutional boundaries. 

Their improvements in all the necessary and useful 
arts, did honor to their industry and ingemut3\ Though 
they did not live in tlic luxury of Europe, tliey had iJi 
the solid and snb^tantial erijoymeati? of life, and were 
not unacquainted with numy of its elegancies and refme- 
monts. 

A circuTHslance mu"h to their praise, is, that, not- 
withst;mdi]ig their pc'culiar addiction to those occupa- 
tions of wiiich lucre i*^ the sole object, they were duly 
a'trntive to cultivate the field of learning ; and they 
liave, ever since their fnindation, been particularly 
careful to provide for the education o( the rising pro- 
geny. 

Their vast augmentation of internal trade and exter- 
nal commerce, was not merely owing to their positio* 
and f icility of communication with other parts ; it arose 
also from their natural turn and temper, full of schemes 
tind projects ; evef aiming at new discoveries, and con- 



Ax^TERieAtj? REVOLUTION. 15 

tiniially employed in the search of means of improvin[j 
their condition. 

Their enterprize carried them into every quarter from 
whence prafit could be derived. There was scarcely 
any port of the American hemisphere, to which they 
had not extended their navigation. They were contin- 
ually exploring new sources of trade, and were found 
in every spot where business could be transacted. 

To this extensive and incessant application to com- 
merce, they added an equal vigilance in the administra- 
tion of their affairs at home. Whatever could conduce 
to the amelioration of the soil they possessed, to the 
progress of agnculture, or to the improvement of their 
domestic circumstances, was attended to with so much 
labor and c.ae, that it may be strictly said, that nature 
had given them nothing of vv hich they did not make the 
most. 

In the midst of this solicitude and toil in matters of 
busijiess, the aiHiirs of government were conducted with 
steadiness, prudence, unci lenity, seldom experienced, 
and never exceeded, in the best regulated countries of 
Europe. 

Sucli \v.^ the situation of the British colonies in g( n- 
eral throughout North-America, and of the Ncw-Engr 
1 uid provinces in particular, when the pacification above 
mentioned opened one of the most remarkable sccnc^s 
th jt ever commanded the attention of the world. 

In treating of the Ainerican revoliuion, it has become 
a fashion with the English writers, to ascribe that event 
to the successful intrigues of the French government. 
Instead of contemplating it with the characteristic phi- 
losophy of their country, as the result of a contest be- 
tween the desire of power, and the abhorrence of op- 
pression, they have sought the origin of the evil in anj'^ 
•ource rather than their own misconduct ; and have 
endeavored, at once, to hush the reproaches of their 
political conscience, and to gratify the cravings of their 
national animosity, in wild conjectures of a schenje 
jformed by their neighbors to divide the British empire, 



HISTORY OP THE 



and in decl ini itory invectives against the Gallic faith 
and honor. 

Thus, it has been repeatedly asserted, that the French 
hdvin,2; long viewed, with equal envy and apprehension, 
tb3 flourishing state of the colonies which Britain had 
founded in America, began immediately after the peace 
of Pari;?, to carry into execution their project for sepa- 
rating those colonies from the mother country. Secret 
e!ni3s tries, it is said, were employed in spreading dis- 
satisfaction among the colonists ; and the effects pro- 
da -ed by tUese luichinating spirits are described to have 
b^ea :t rapid diminution of that peculiar warmth of at- 
t '-^hiii lit, which the inhabitants of North-America had 
hither::o. drmoi^tratcd for the mother country ; the 
excitenent of a jealousy which led them to view her 
rafh3r in. the light of a sovereign than of a parent ; and 
th^ intro auction of a ho-stile policy, v/Iiich taught them 
to examine, with, a scriipulons iitceLy, the nature of those 
tics that r.?nriered them parts of her eix^pire. 

That such emissaries were ever employed, is a fact 
unsapported 'oy any document which the purity of his- 
torio )I truth can admii ; and, although the eftects here 
de-ic< abed have cerlaiaiy appeared, it must be remem- 
bered, that their appearance follovv^cd, hut did not pre-- 
cede, the attempts of Britain upon the rights and liber- 
ties of America. By mert? artifice and address, to have 
alienated the affections of the colonists from their moth-^ 
^r country, at the close of a WMr in whicli their interests 
and feehng? had been interwoven with more than usual 
strength and energy, was a task of infinite dilhculty, not 
surely to be accomplished in the short period between 
the declaration of peace in 1761, and the promulgation 
of the first obnoxious acts of the British parliament in 
1764. 

But, if vfd trace these effects to another cause — to a 
love of liberty, and a quick sense of injury, their ap- 
pearance will be natural and just, consistent with the 
American character, and corres|ionding with the con- 
duct whicli \yas displayed ia all the vicissitudes tlat aU 
tended the re vol U 



XSiERICA-N Rt:YOLUtlO^'. 17 

!u March, 1764, a bill was pasj^eu, by wlii-'li lioavy 
duties were luidoti 2;oo<.'s impoitedbv the roloni^i:^ froni 
such We^=t Indi.i islands as dtd not h-'lonij- to Great 13rit.- 
;uii ; at the same time that these dn ■;<-(! ->v ere to be paid 
into the exchequer in specie : a?){i in llic s:!;ne session 
another bill was framed, to restrain the rnrrei-.rT oi'pjnjer 
money in tlie colonies thom.selves. Not only the prin- 
ciple of taxation, but the mode of colle-Mon, vvi'S consid- 
ered as an unconstitv!tion;d and 0]}])ress!vc innovalion ; 
for the penalties incurred by an infraction of the act* of 
pirlirunent, might be recovered in the conrls of admi- 
ralty, before a single jndee, (^u hose sabsry v,-as the fruit 
of the forfeitures he decreed,) without trial by jury, or 
any of the other benefits of conmion law jurisprudence. 

These acts, coming so close to each other, threw the 
ijrhole continent into the utmost ferment. Vehement 
remonstrances were made to tlie ministry, and every ar- 
g^ament made use of thnl, rcasiin or ingenuity rould sug- 
gest, but to no purp*)se. Their reasoning, however, 
convinced a great Tiumber of people in Britain ; and 
thus the American cause came to be considered as the 
cause of liberty. 

The Americans, finding all argumentation vain, at last 
United in an agreement to import no more of the manu- 
factures of Great Britain, but to encoara,<:!;e, to the ut- 
most of their power, every thing of thnt kind among 
themselves. Thus the British manufacturers also be- 
came a party against the ndnistry, and did not fail to ex- 
press their resentment in the strongest terms ; but the 
ministry were not to be so easily daunted, and therefore 
proceeded to the last step of their intended plan, which 
was to lay on stamp duties throughout the continent. 
Previous to this, indeed, several regulations were pass- 
ed in favor of the commerce of the colonies ; but they 
had now imbibed such unfiivorable sentiments of the 
British ministry, that they paid very little regard to any 
thing pretended to be done in their favor ; or, if these 
acts made any favorable impression, it was quickly cb* 
iterated by the news of the stamp act. 

The reason given for this act» so exceedingly obnos- 
2* 



2^ HISTORY OF THfe 

ious, was, that a sum might be raised sufficient for tibe^ 
defence of the colonies against a foreign enemy ; but 
this pretence was so far from giving any satisfaction to 
the Americans, thrtt it excited their indignation to the 
utmost degree. They not only asserted that they were 
abundantly able to defend themselves ag.iinst any foreign 
enemy, but denied that the British parlmment had any 
yisi;ht to tax them at ail. 



CHAPTER IL 

o^amp act. — 'Ferment among the Amei'icans. — ^Stamp act re- 
pealed. — ^^Opinion of Dr. Franklin. — ^Spirit of independence 
manifested. — Duty on tea, &c. — ^Disturbances increase. — As-- 
serably of Massachusetts prorogued. 

JT would be superfluous to enter into any arguments 
ased by the contending parties on this important occa- 
sion. It was evident that the matter was not to be de- 
cided by argument j but by force of arms ; and the 
British ministry, too confident of the authority rtnd 
power of that country, determined to carry on matters 
with a high hand, to terrify the colonies into an impli- 
eit subjection, or, if that would not do, to compel thensi 
to it by force. The stump act, after a violent opposi- 
tion in parliament, was passed ; and its reception in 
America was such as might have been expected. 

The news, and the act itself, arrived first at Boston j 
where tlie bells were muffled and rung a funenJ peal. 
Tho net was first hawked about the streets with a 
de:ith's head affixed to it, and styled *'The folly of 
En^iland, and the ruin of America ;" and afterwards 
publicly burnt by the enraged populace. The stamps 
tliemseives were seized and destroyed, unless brought 
by men of war, or kept in fortified places ; those who 
were to receive the stamp duties were compelled to 
resign their offices ; and such of the Americans as sided 
with government on this occiwion, had their houses 
plundered and burnt. 

Though these outrages were committed by the low- 



ASIERICAN REVOLUTION. l^ 

est ot the multitude, they were nist conDived at by 
those of superior rank, and the principles on whicit 
they were founded :iflerwards openly patronized hj 
them ; and the doctrine became general and openly 
avowed, that Britain had no rii^ht whatever to tax the 
colonies without their own consent. 

The ministry now found it absolutely necessary ei- 
ther to yield to the Americans, by repealing the ob- 
noxious statutes, or to enforce them by arms. The 
ferment had diffused itself universally throughout the 
colonies. Virginia firs!:, and afterwards all the rest of 
the provinces, declared against the right of Britain to 
lay taxes in America ; and that every attempt to vest 
others with this pon'er, besides the king, or tlie gov- 
ernor of the province and his general assembly, y/as 
illegal, unconstitutional and unjust. 

Non-importation agreements were every where en- 
tered into, and it was even resolved to prevent the 
gale of any more British goods after the preseni year. 
American manufactures, though dearer, as well as of 
an inferior quality to the British, were universally 
preferred. An association was entered into jjgainst the 
eating of lamb, in order to promote the growth of 
wool ; aa;I the ladies with cheerfulness agreed to re- 
nounce the use of every species of ornament manu- 
factured in Britain. 

Such a general and alarming confederacy determined 
the ministry to repeal so:n3 of the most obnoxious 
statutes ; and to this tlicy were the more inclined by a 
petition from the first American congress, held at 
Nevz-York, in Octobiir, lltio. 

The stamp act was there fr-e re])ealed, to the uni- 
ver'^ d joy of the Americin;, and indeed to the gene- 
r >i sutisi';'-tion of the Eii'^li.-;'.i, whose manufactures had 
b<^gun to suftVn' very severely in consequence of the 
American association against them. 

The disputes on the subject, however, were by no 
means silenced without doors, but each party con- 
tinued to argue xh? case as violently as bef )re. The 
celebrated Dr. Benjauiia Franklin was on this occa- 



20 HlSTOni' OF THE 

sion examined bcibro the British hoiis'i of cammons — 
and hiii opinion was in siibst mcG as follows ; 

" That the tax In question waa impracticable^ aaJ 
ruinoTjr!, TiM2 very atlsmpt bad so i'lv alien iL'_'d thu 
jtH^o :u;ini of the colonies, that they behaved in a le?i 
friendly nnnner to^^Mrds ih ^ natives of Engl cid than 
before ; con-i-Jeriu!;- ilie v/l!^>le nation as conspirin"!; 
agtinj^t their li!)^rty, and th ^ pirli;iinent a^? willing 
rather to oppress thin to iuujport an! assist thern. 
America, in fact, did not stand in ariy .'^i-l oi' I'ritisK 
mamifactures, havin2; already i>:^i;ii;i U) . .1 ..• ..-u^-i; .^noh 
as might be deemed absobi-fcely necvs. !rv, and thit 
with Piich snccess a3 left no doubt of their soon ar- 
rivin2; at perfection. 

*' The ele;»;ancies of dres3 had already i»een re- 
nounce':! for iii umfactures of the American kind^ though 
much infeiior ; and the bulk of the people, consisting 
of farmers, were such as could in no way be affected 
by the want of British commodities, havinjS: every ne- 
cess uw within themselves. Materials of all kinds 
were to be had in plenty ; — the wool was fme, tlaK 
grew in great ahund.mce, and iron was every where 
to be met with."' 

Dr. I^hMuklin also insisted, " that the Americans had 
been greatly misrepresented ; that they had been tra- 
duced as void of gratitude and affection to the parent 
state, than which nothing could be more contrary to 
truth. In the war of 1755 they had, at their own ex- 
pense, raised an army of 25,000 men ; and in that of 
1739, they assisted the British expeditions against 
South-America, with several thousand men, and had 
made many brave exertions against the French in 
North-America. 

*' It was said that the war of 1755 had been under- 
taken in defence of the colonies ; but the truth was, 
that it originated from a contest about the boundary 
line between Canada and Nova-Scotia, and in defence 
of the right of the English to trade on the Ohio. 

" The Americans, however, would still continue to 
act with their usual fidelity ; and were any war to 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 21 

break out, in which they had no interest, they would 
show themselves as ready as ever to assist the parent 
state to the utmost of their power ; and they would 
never fail to manifest their readiness in contributing 
to the emergencies of government, when called upoa 
in a regular and constitutional manner." 

The ministry wore conscious that in repealing this 
obnoxious act, they yielded to the Americans ; and 
therefore, to support, as they thought, the dignity of 
Great-Britain, it was judged proper to publish a de- 
claratory bill, in which was set forth the authority of 
the mother country over her colonies, and her power 
to bind them by laws and statutes, in all cases whatso' 
ever. 

This much diminished the joy with which the re- 
peal of the stamp act was received in America. It 
was considered as establishing the ground upon which 
any claim might be enforced equally prej-udicial with 
the stamp act ; and a spirit of jealousy pervaded th,6 
whole continent, in so much that a strong party was 
formed, watchful on every occasion to guard against 
any abitrary encroachments of the British power. 

It was not long before an occasion offered, in which 
the Americans manifested a spirit of absolute inde- 
pence, virtually declaring that instead of being bound 
by the British legislature in all cases, they would not 
be controled by it in the most trivial affairs. This was 
in consequence of an act passed by the Rockingham 
ministry, providing the British troops stationed in dif- 
ferent parts of the colonies with such accommodations 
as were necessary for them. 

The assembly of New-York, however, took upon 
them to alter the mode of execution prescribed by the 
act of parliament, and to substitute one of their owp. 
This gave very great offence to the new ministry, and 
rendered them (though composed of those who had 
been active against the stamp bill) less f ivorable to the 
colonies than they would, in all probabiHty, otherwise 
have been. 

Aj^ unlucky circumstance at this time occurred, which 



22 HISTORY OF THE 

threw every thing once more into confusion. One of 
the new ministry, Mr. Charles Townsend, having de- 
clared that he could find a way of taxing the Ameri- 
cans without giving them offence, wiis called upon to 
propose his plan. This was by imposing a duty upon 
tea, paper, paints and glass, imported to America. 

The conduct of the New- York assembly respecting 
the troops, and that of Boston, which had proceeded 
in a similar manner, caused this bill to meet with less 
opposition than it otherwise might have done. 

As a punishment to the refractory assemblies, the 
legislative power was taken from that of New- York, 
until they should fully comply with the terms of the 
act. That of Boston at last submitted with reluctance. 
The bill for the new taxes was quickly passed, and 
.sent to America in 1768. 

A ferment, much greater than that occasioned by the 
stamp act, now took place throughout the continent. 
The populace renewed their outrages, and those of 
superior station entered into regular combinations 
against it. Circular letters were sent from Massachu- 
setts to all her sister colonies, setting forth the injus- 
tice and impropriety of the acts of the British parlia- 
ment. 

Meetings were held in all the principal towns, in 
which it was proposed to lessen the consumption of 
foreign manufactures, by giving proper encoura-ge- 
ment to their own. Continual disputes ensued be- 
twixt the governors and general assemblies of their 
provinces, which were much heightened by a letter 
from Lord Shelburn to Governor Barnard of Massa- 
chusetts, containing complaints of the people he gov- 
erned. 

The assembly, exasperated to the highest degree, 
charged their governor with having misrepresented 
them to the court of Britain, roquring him to produce 
copies of the letters he had sent ; and, on his refusal, 
wrote letters to the English ministry, accusing him of 
misrepresentation and partiality, complaining at the 
same time, most jgrievously, of the proceedings of 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 21 

parliament, as utterly subversive of the liberties of 
America, and the rights of British subjects. 

The governor, at a loss how to defend himself, pro- 
rogued the assembly ; and, in his speech on the occa- 
sion, gave a loose to his resentment, accusing the mem- 
bers of ambitious designs, incompatible with those of 
dutiful and loyal subjects. 

To counteract the efiect of the circular letter of 
the province of Massachusetts-Bay, Lord Hillsborough, 
secretary to the American department, addressed the 
governors of the several colonies, reprobating the cir- 
cular as full of misrepresentation, and teniiiiig to ex- 
cite a rebellion against the authority of the pareut 
Btate. 



CHAPTER IIL 

Tunuit at Boston. — Dissolution of the a?se»iWy. — People form 
II convention. — Arrival of troops from En'^land.— Parliament 
uddress the King-. — Affray between the soldiers and Bostoni- 
UTii!. — Repeal of duties. — New asseaibiy. — Disavowal of the 
supremacy of parliament. 

lljATTERS now hastened to a crisis. The governor 
had been ordered to proceed with vigor, and by nf# 
means to show any disposition to yield to the people as 
formerly. In particular, they were required to rescind 
liiat resolution by which they had written the circular 
letter above mentioned ; and, in cftse of a refusal, it v/as 
told them that they Avould be dissolved. As this letter 
had been framed by the resolutions of a former house, 
they desired, after a week's consultation, that a recess 
might be granted, to consult with iheir constituents ; l)ut 
this being refused, they came to a determination, 92 
against 17, to adhere to the resolution which produced 
the circular letter. 

At the same time, ^mother letter was sent to Lord 
Hillsborough, and a message to the governor, in justifi- 
cation of their proceedings. In both, they expressed 
themselves with such freedom as w^s by no means caJ- 



24 HISTORY OF THE 

culated to accord with the sentiments of those in powei< 
They insisted that they had a right to communicate their 
sentiments to their fellow subjects, upon matters of such 
importance ; complained of the requisition to rescind 
the circular letter as unconstitutional and unjust ; and 
particularly insisted, that they were represented as har- 
boring seditious designs, when they were doing nothing 
but what was lawful and right. 

At the same time, they condemned the late acts of 
parliament, as highly oppressive, and subversive of lib- 
erty. The whole was concluded by a list of accusa- 
tions against their governor, representing him as unfit 
to continue in his station, and petitioning the king his re- 
moval from it. 

These proceedings were followed by a violent tumult 
at Boston. A vessel belonging to a capital trader had 
been seized, in consequence of his having neglected 
some of the new regulations ; and being taken under the 
protection of a man of war at that time lying in the har- 
bor, the populace attacked the houses of the commis- 
sioners of excise, broke their windows, destroyed the 
collector's boats, and obliged the custom-house officers 
to take refuge in Castle William, situated at the entrance 
of the harbor. 

The governor now took the last step in his power, 
to put a stop to the violent proceedings of the assembly, 
by dissolving it entirely ; but this was of little moment. 
Their behavior had been highly appoved by the other 
colonies, who had written letters to them, expressive of 
their approbation. After the dissolution of the assem- 
bly, frequent meetings of the people were held in Bos- 
ton, whick ended in a remonstrance to the governor, to 
the same purpose as some of the former ; but conclud- 
ing with a request, that he would take it upon him to or- 
der the king's ships out of the harbor. 

While the disposition of the Bostonians was thus go- 
ing on from bad to worse, news arrived, that the agent 
for the colony had not been allowed to deliver their pe- 
tition to the king ; it having been objected, that the as- 
«embly without the governor was not sufficient author- 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 25 

ity. This did not contribute to allay the ferment ; and' 
it was further augmented by tlie news thrit a number of 
troops had been ordered to repair to Boston, to keep the 
inhabitants in awe. 

A dreadful alarm now took place. The people-<^alled 
on the governor to convene a general assdnbly, in or- 
der to quiet their fears of the military ; who, they said, 
were to be assembled to overthrow their liberties, and 
force their obedience to laws to which tb.ey were en- 
tirely averse. The governor replied, that it was no 
longer in his power to call an assembly ; having, in his 
last instructions from England, been required to wait 
the king's orders, the matter being then under consider- 
ation at home. 

Being thus refused, the people took upon themselves 
the formation of an assembly, wincii they called a con- 
vention. The proceedings and resolutions of this body 
naturally partook of the temper and disposition of the 
late assembly ; but they went a step iarlher, and having 
voted " that there is apprehension in the nnnds of many 
of an approaching rupture wttli 1 ratice," requested the 
inhabitants to put themseh es in a poature of deience 
against any sudden attack of an eMomy ; and circular 
letters were sent to all tlie towr.s in the province, ac- 
quainting them with the resolutions Ihat had been taken 
in the capital, and exhorting tiiem to proceed in the 
same manner. The town of liHtlield alone refused its 
concurrence. 

The convention, however, thought proper to assure 
the governor of their pacihc intentions, and renewed 
their request that an assembly nii;^bt be called ; but, be- 
ing refused any audience, and threatened with beiug 
treated as rebels, they at last thought proper to dissolve 
of themselves, and sent over to Britain a circumstantial 
account of their proceedings, with tiie reason oi their 
having assembled in the maimer already mentioned. 

The expected troops arrived on the very day on 

which the conveution broke up, and had some ho\ises 

in the town fitted up lor their rece]>tion. Their ;irfi- 

val had a considerable inhuence on the people, and for 

3 



20 HISTORY OF THE 

some time seemed to put a stop to the dlsturbancea j 
but the seeds of discord had now taken such deep root, 
that it was impossible to quench the flame. The late 
outrageous behavior in Boston had given the greatest 
©ffence in England ; and, notwithstanding all the efforts 
of opposition, an address from both houses of parlia- 
ment was presented to the king 5 in which the behavior 
of the colony of Massachusettg-Buy was set forth in the 
most ample manner, and the most vigorous measures 
recommended for reducing them to obedience. 

The x\mericans, however, continued steadfast in the 
ideas they had adopted. Though the troops had for 
some time quieted the disturbances, yet the calm con- 
tinued no longer than they appeared respectable on ac- 
count of their number ; but as soon as this was dimin- 
ished by the departure of a large detachment, the re- 
mainder were treated with contempt, and it was evem 
resolved to expel them altogether. The country peo- 
ple took up arms for this purpose, and were to have as- 
sisted their friends in Boston ; but before the plot could 
be put in execution, an event happened which put an 
end to every idea of reconciliation between the con- 
teijding parties. 

On the 5th of March, 1770, a scuffle happened be- 
tween the soldiers and a party of the town's people. 
The inhabitants poured in from all quarters to the as- 
sistance of their fellow citizens ; a violent tumult ensu- 
ed, during which the military fired upon the mob, kill- 
ing and wounding several of them. The whole prov- 
ince now rose in arms, and the soldiers were obliged to 
retire to Cuistie William, to prevent their being cut iu 
peices. Let it be remembered, however, to the praise 
of American virtue, that, on the trial, notwithstanding 
popular prejudice and apprehension, the captain and 
»ix of tlie men were acquitted, two men only being 
found guilty of manslaughter. 

in othor respects, the determinations of the Ameri- 
cans were continued, if possible, more firm than ever, 
until at last, government determining to act with vigor* 
Qn4 ^ the same time to behave with as much c«nde- 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 27 

scension as possible, without abandoning their princi- 
ples, repealed all the duties lately laid oh, that of tea 
alone excepted. This was left on purpose to maintain 
the dignity of the crown of Britain ; and it was thought 
that it could not be prodiictive of any discontent in, 
America, as being an affair of very little moment, the 
produce of which was not expected to exceed 16,000^, 
The opposition, however, were strenuous in their en- 
deavors to get this tax likewise abrogated ; insisting, 
that the Americans would consider it only as an inlet 
to others ; and that the repeal of all the rest, without 
this, would answer no good purpose. The event show- 
ed that their opinion was well founded. 

The Americans opposed the tea tax with the same 
violence they had done all the rest ; and at last, on the 
news that salaries had been settled on the justices of 
the superior court of Boston, the governor was address- 
ed on the subject ; the measure was condemned in the 
strongest terms ; and a committee, selected out of the 
several districts of the colony, appointed to enquire 
into it. 

The new assembly proceeded in the most formal 
manner to disavow the supremacy of the British legis- 
lature ; and accused the parliament of Britain of hav- 
ing violated the natural rights of the Americans in a 
ttumber of instances. Copies of the transactions of 
this assembly were transmitted to every town in Mas- 
sachusetts, exhorting the inhabitants to rouse them- 
selves, and exert every nerve in opposition to the iron 
hand of oppression, which was daily tearing the choic- 
est fruits from the fair tree of liberty. 

The disturbances were also greatly heightened, by 
an accidental discovery that Mr. Hutchinson, governor 
of Massachusetts Bay, had written several confidential 
letters to people in power in England, complaining of 
the behavior of the province, recomrnonding vigorous 
Pleasures against them, and, among other things, assert- 
ing, that ''there must be an abridgement of what is 
called British liberty." 

ILetters of this kii^ bad falkn into lh« hands «f the 



28 HISTORY OP THE 

agent for the colony at London. They were immedi- 
ately trjinsmltted to Boston, where the assembly was 
sitting, hy whom they were laid before the governor, 
who was thus reduced to a very mortifying situation. 
Losing every idea of respect for him as their governor, 
the}'^ instantly dispatched a petition to the king, request- 
ing?; hirji to remove the governor and deputy governor 
from their places ; but to this they not only received 
no favorable answer, but the petition itself was declar- 
ed groundless and scandalous. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Destruction of tea in Boston harbor. — The king recommends vi- 
gorous measures for the subjection of the colonies. — Port 
bill.— Canada bill. 

Affairs were now ripe for the utmost extremities 
on the part of the Americans — and they were brought 
on in the following manner. Though the colonies had 
entered into a non-importation agreement against tea, 
as well as all other commodities from Britain, it had 
nevertheless found its way into America, though in 
smaller quantities than before. 

Tliis was sensibly felt by the East-India Company, 
who had now agreed to pay a large sum annually to 
government ; in recompense for which, and to make 
up their losses in other respects, they were empow- 
ered to export their tea free from any duty payable in 
Britain ; and in consequence of thi> permission, seve- 
ral ships freighted Avith the commodity were sent to 
North- America, where proper agents were appointed, 
to dispose of it. 

The Americans now perceiving that the tax was 
likely to be enforced whether they were willing or not, 
determined to take every possible method to prevent 
the tea from being landed, knowing that it would be 
impossible to hinder the sale, should the commodity 
be brought on shore. 

For this purpose the people assembled in great 



AMERICAN RESOLUTION. 29 

numbers, forcing those to whom the tea was consigned 
to resign their offices, and to promise solemnly never 
to resume them. Committees were also appointed to 
examine the accounts of merchants, and make public 
tests, declaring such as would not take them, enemies 
to their coimtry. 

Nor were these proceedings confined to the colony 
of Massachusetts-Bay. The other provinces entered 
into the contest with the same warmth, and manifested 
the same resolution to oppose this invasion of their 
rights. 

In the midst of this confusion, three ships ladew 
with tea arrived at Boston ; but so much were the 
captains alarmed at the disposition which seemed to 
prevail among the people, that they ofier^d to return 
to England without landing their cargoes, provided 
tliey could obtain the proper discharges from the con- 
signees, the custom-house, and the governor. 

The parties concerned, however, though they durst 
not order the tea to be landed, refused to grant the 
discharges required. The ships, therefore, would 
have been obliged to remain in the harbor ; but the 
people, apprehensive that if they remained there the 
tea would be landed in small quantities, and disposed 
of in spite of every endeavor to prevent it, resolved 
to destroy it at once. 

This resolution was executed with equal speed and 
secresy. The very evening after the above mention- 
ed discharges had been refused, a number of people 
dressed themselves like Mohawk Indians, and boiirding 
the ships, threw into the sea their whole cargoes, con- 
sisting of three hundred and fort3r-two chests of tea ; 
after which they retired, without making any other 
disturbance or doing any other damage. 

No tea was destroyed in other places, though the 
same spirit was every where manifested. At Phila- 
delphia the pilots were enjoined not to conduct the 
vessels up the river ; and at New-York, though the 
governor caused some tea to be landed imder the pro- 
'tection of man-of-war, he was obliged to deliver it ur 



30 



HISTORY OF THF 




AlViETlfCAJr REVOLUTION. 31 

to the custody of the people, to prevent its bcins; 
^old. 

The destruction of the tea at Boston, which hap- 
pened in Novemher, 1773, was the immediate prelude 
to the disasters attending civil discord. Govemmei^t, 
Snding themselves every where insulted and despised, 
resolved to enforce their authority by every possible 
means ; and as Boston had been the principal scene of 
the riots and outrages, it was determined to punish that 
town in an exemplary manner. 

Parliament was acquainted, by a message from his 
majesty, with the undutiful behaviour of the inhabitants 
©f Boston, as well as of all the colonies, and the most 
vigorous exertions were at the same time recommend- 
ed to reduce them to obedience. The parliament, in 
its address, promised a ready compliance ; and, indeed, 
tlie Americans seemed now to have lost many of their 
partizans. 

It was proposed to lay a fine on the town of Boston, 
equal to the value of the tea which had been destroyed, 
and to shut up its port, by armed vessels, until the re- 
fractory spirit of the inhabitants should be subdued ; 
which it was thought must quickly yield, as a total stop 
would thus be put to their trade. The bill was strong- 
ly opposed, on the same grounds that the other had 
been ; and it was predicted, that instead of having any 
tendency to reconcile or subdue the Americans, it 
would infallably exasperate them beyond any possibility 
«f reconciliation. 

A remonstrance against the bill was presented by 
the agent for the colonies, pointing out the same con- 
f^equence in the strongest terms, and declaring in the 
most positive manner that the Americans never would 
submit to it. But such a degree of infituation pre- 
vailed among all ranks of men in Britain, that they 
sever imagined the Americans would dare openly to 
ye«ist the authority of the parent state, but would ift 
the end submit implicitly to her commands. 

In this confidence a third bill vrjs proposed, pro- 
viding for the impartial atlniiitistratian of justice in cer- 



32 HISTORY OF THE 

tain cases. By this bill it was enacted, that should any 
persons who might be employed in the suppression of 
riots and tumults in the province of Massachusetts-Bay 
be indicted for murder, and not be able to obtain a fair 
trial in the province, they might be sent by the gov- 
ernor to England, or to some other colony, if necessa- 
ry, to be tried for the supposed crime. 

These three bills having been passed so early, the 
ministry proposed a fourth, relative to the government 
of Canada, which it was said had not yet been settled 
on any proper plan. By this bill the extent of that 
province was greatly enlarged ; its affairs were put 
under the direction of a council, to be appointed by 
the crown, and removable at its pleasure^ and the 
Roman Catholic clergy were secured in their posses- 
sions and perquisites. The council above mentioned 
were invested with every legislative power except that 
of taxation. 



CHAPTER V. 

Opposition in Massachusetts to Judg-e Oliver. — Arrival of Gen. 
Gag-e. — Assembly removed to Salem. — General congress pro- 
posed. — Assembly again dissolved. — Solemn league and cov- 
enant of the Bostonians. — Governor's proclamation. 

jVo sooner were these laws made known in America^ 
than the union of the colonies was cemented almost 
beyond any possibility of dissolving it. 

The assembly of Massachusetts Bay had passed a 
vote against the judges accepting salaries from the 
crown ; and on the question being put to them, wheth- 
er they would accept them from the general assembly ? 
four answered in the affirmative ; but Peter Oliver, 
the chief justice, refused. A petition cigainst him, and 
an accusation, were brought before the governor ; but 
the latter refused the accusation, and declined to inter- 
fere in the matter ; but as they still insisted for justice 
against Mr. Oliver, the governor thought proper to put 
an end to the matter, by dissolving the assembly. 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 33 

In this situation of affiiirs, a new alarm was occasion- 
ed by the news of the port bill. This had been totally 
unexpected, and was received with the most extrava- 
gant expressions of displeasure among the populace ; 
and while these continued, the new governor, General 
Gage, arrived from England. He had been chosen to 
this office on account of his being well acquainted in 
.America, and generally agreeable to the people ; — 
but human wisdom could not now point out a method 
by Avhich the flame could be allayed. 

The first act of his office as governor, was, to remove 
■the assembly to Salem, a town seventeen miles distant, 
in consequence of the late act. When this was intimat- 
ed to the assembly, they replied, by requesting him to 
appoint a day of public humiliation for deprecating the 
wrath of heaven, but met with a refusal. 

When met at Salem, they passed a resolution, declar- 
ing the necessity of a general congress, composed of 
delegates from all the provinces, in order to take the 
affairs of the colonies at large into consideration ; and 
five gentlemen, remarkable for their opposition to the 
British measures, were chosen to represent that of 
Massachusetts Bay. 

They then proceeded, with all expedition, to draw 
up a declaration, containing a detail of the grievances 
they labored under, and the necessity of exerting them- 
selves against lawless power ; they set forth the disre- 
gard shown to their petitions, and the attempts of Great 
Britain to destroy their ancient constitution ; and con- 
cluded with exhorting the inhabitants of the colony to 
obstruct, by every method in their power, such evil 
designs, recommending at the same time, a total renun- 
ciation of every thing imported from Great Britain, till 
a. redress of grievances could be procured. 

Intelligence of this declaration was carried to the 
governor on the very day that it was comy)lcted ; on 
which he dissolved the assembly. This was followed 
by an address from the inhabitants of Salem, in favor 
of those of Boston, and concluding with these remark- 
able words : " By shutting up the port of Boston, some 
imagine that tho. course of trade might be turned hith- 



34 HISTORY OP THE 

er, and to our benefit ; but nature, in the formation of 
•ur harbor, forbids our becoming rivals in commerce 
with that convenient mart ; and were it otherwise, we 
must be dead to every idea of justice, and lost to all 
feelings of humanity, could we indulge one thought to 
seize on wealth, and raise our fortunes on the ruin of 
©ur suffering neighbors." 

It had been fondly hoped, by the ministerial party 
in England, that the advantages which other towns of 
the colony might derive from the annihilation of the 
trade of Boston, would make them readily acquiesce 
in the measure of shutting up that port, and rather re- 
joice in it than otherwise ; but the words of the above 
mentioned address seemed to preclude all hope of this 
kind, and subsequent transactions soon manifested it t« 
fee totally vain. 

No sooner did intelligence arrive of the remaining 
bills passed by parliament at the session of 1774, than 
the cause of Boston became the cause of all the colo- 
nies. The port bill had already occasioned violent 
commotions throughout them all ; it had been repro- 
bated in provincial meetings, and resistance even to 
the last had been recommended against such oppres- 
sion. 

In Virginia, the first of June, the day on which the 
port of Boston was to be shut up, was held as a day of 
humiliation and prayer, and a public intercession in fa- 
vor of America was enjoined. The style of the 
prayer enjoined at this time, was *'' that God would 
give the people one heart and one mind, firmly to op- 
pose every invasion of the American rights." 

The Virginians, however, did not content them- 
selves with merely performing acts of religion ; they 
passed resolutions recommending in the strongest terms 
a general congress of all the colonies, being fully per- 
suaded that an attempt to tax any colony in an arbi- 
trary manner, was in reality an attack upon them all, 
and must ultimately end in the ruin of them all. 

The provinces of New-York and Pennsylvania^ 
ikoweyer, were less sanguine than the rest; being sa 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 35 

closely connected in the way of trade with Great Brit- 
ain, the giving it up entirely appeared as a matter of 
such serious magnitude as not to be hazarded until ev- 
ery other method had failed. But the intelligence of 
the remaining bills respecting Boston, however, spread 
a fresh alarm throughout the continent^ and confirmed 
those who had seemed the most wavering. 

The alternative of giving up all commercial inter 
course with the mother country was again proposed ; 
contributions were raised in every quarter for the re- 
lief of the inhabitants of Boston ; and they every day 
received addresses commanding them for the patriotic 
fortitude with which they sustained their calamity. 

Nor were the Bostonians wanting in endeavors oa 
their part to promote the general cause. An agree- 
ment was framed, which, in imitation of former times, 
they called a " Solemn League and Covenant." By 
this the subscribers most religiously bound themselves 
to break off all communication with Britain, after the 
expiration of the month of August ensuing, until the 
obnoxious acts were repealed. At the same time they 
engaged neither to purchase or use any goods imported 
after that time, and to renounce all connexion with 
those who did, or who refused to subscribe to this cov- 
enant ; threatening to publish the names of the re- 
fractory, which at this time was a punishment by no 
means to be despised. 

Agreements of a similar kind were almost instanta- 
aeously entered into throughout all America. General 
Gage indeed attempted to counteract the covenant by a 
proclamation^ declaring it an illegal and traiterous com- 
bination, and threaiening with the pains of law such as 
subscribed or countenanced it. But matters were too 
far gone for his proclamation to have any effect. The 
people retorted the charge of illegality on his owr 
proclamation, and insisted that the law allowed subjec 8 
to meet in order to consider of their grievances, and 
to associate for the purpose of obtaining rehef from 
oppression. 



36 HISTORY OF THE 



CHAPTER VI. 

Meeting of the first congress. — Approval of the conduct of Mas^ 
sachusetts. — Letter to Gen. Gage. — Declaration of Rights.-- 
Petition to the king, Sic- — Increase of the British forces. — Op* 
position to the courts. — Thirst for military knowledge* 

Preparations were now made for holding the 
general congress, so often proposed.. Philadelphia, as 
being the most central and considerable town, was 
pitched upon for the place of its meeting. The dele- 
gates of whom it was to be composed were chosen by 
the representatives of each province, and were in 
number from two to seven for each colony, though no 
province was entitled to more than one vote. 

The first congress, which met at Philadelphia in the 
beginning of September, 1774, consisted of fifty^one 
delegates* The novelty and importance of the meet* 
ing of this congress excited universal attention, and 
their transactions were such as could not but tend to 
render them respectable. 

The first act of congress was an approbation of the 
conduct of Massachusetts P)ay, and an exhortation to 
continue in the same spirit with which they had begun. 
Supplies for the suffering inhabitants (whom the ope* 
ration of port-bill had reduced to great distress) were 
strongly recommended ; and it was declared, that in 
case of attempts to enforce the obnoxious acts by arms, 
all America should join to assist the' town of Boston ;. 
and, should the inhabitants be obliged, duiing the 
course of hostilities, to remove farther up the coun- 
try, the losses they might sustain should be repaired at 
the public expense. 

Congress next addressed a letter to General Gage ; 
in which, having stated the grievances of the people 
of the people of Massachusetts, they informed him of 
the fixed and unalterable determination of all the oth- 
er provinces, to support their brethren, and to oppose 
the British acts ol parliament ; that tiiey themselves 
w€re appointed to watch over the liberties oJ Anieri- 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 37 

ca ; and entreated him to desist from military opera- 
tions, lestsnch liostiiitie?^ might be Isrou.ght on as would 
frustrate all hopes of reconciliation with the parent 
state. 

Their next st<^p was to publish a declaration of 
rights. These they summed up in the rights belong- 
ing to Englishme)! ; and particularly insisted, that as 
their distance rendered it impossible for them to be 
represented in the l^ritish parliament, tlicir provincial 
assembhes, with a govi^nior appointed by the king, 
constituted the only h^gislalive power within each 
province. They would, however, consent to such 
acts of parliament as were evidently calculated mere- 
ly for the regulation ol" commerce, and for securing to 
the parent state the ])enefits of the Anieric;m trade ; 
but would never .•;!!"■.•.• t'ird th>:>v could impose any tax 
on the coL.>[i;os, i':,v li: ; purpo-e of revenue, Viithout 
their consent. 

They procee^lvd to ?\':|.ro]);ile the inteiition of each 
of the new act- of padiament, and insisted on all the 
rights they had oiiMinerated as being unalien.ii-le, and 
what no power could do];rive them of. The Canada 
act they pointed oul as being extremely inimical to the 
colonies, by whose assistance it had been conquered ; 
and they termed it, " An act for establishing the Ro- 
man Catholic re'J'i-ion in Canada, abolishing the equita- 
ble svstem of Enalijh i;\i,vs, and establishing a tyranny 
there." 

They further declared in favor of a non-importation 
and non-consun\ption of Bi-itish goods, until the acts were 
repealed by which duties were imposed upon tea, cof- 
fee, wine, sugir and mola^ises, imported into America, 
as well ;\s the Boston port act, and the three others 
passed at Uie preceding session of parliament. 

The new regulations ag-iinst the importation and 
consumption of British commodities were then drawn 
Up with great solemnity ; and they concluded with re- 
turning the warmest thanks to those members of par- 
liament who hill with so much zeal, though without 
4 



3S History of the 

any success, opposed the obnoxious acts of parlia- 
ment. 

The next proceedings of congress were to frame a 
petition to the king, an address to the British nation, 
and another to the colonies ; all of which were in the 
usual strain of American language at that time, and 
drawn up in such a masterly manner as ought to have 
impressed the people of England with a more favora- 
ble opinion of the Americans than they could at that 
time be induced to entertain. 

All this time the disposition of the people had cor- 
responded with the warmest wishes of congress. The 
lirst of June had been kept as a fast, not only in Vir- 
ginia, where it was first proposed, but throughout the 
whole continent. Contributions for the distresses of 
Boston bad been raised in all parts of America, and 
all ranks of people were peculiarly touched with them. 
Evoii t!io:^e who might have derived advantage from 
tlic sii.iiling up of the port, took no opportunity, as 
has has been instanced in the case of" Salon}. 

The inhabitants of Marblehead aJso showed a noble 
example of magn;i.ninrity in the present case. Though 
situated in the oeiglibo]-]iood of Boston, and most likely 
{■) d:-rive honPiit from the distress of that place, they 
(wl jjot uiteii'pt to take any advantage, but generously 
olilrc^i ;ho K^e of their harbor to the Bostonians, as 
\:q\1 a- liicir wharves and warehouses, free of all ex- 
pense. 

In the mean time the British forces at Boston v/cre 
roiuiiiaully iiicreasing, which greatly augmented the 
genoril icalo'isy and disaffection. The country peo- 
jMe v/erc re >uy to rise at a moment's warning; and 
(ho. experiment was once made, by giving a false 
'Ui?'ii. This was done by spreading a rumor that the 
r-KJvnunication between the town and country was to 
i;e cut olT, in order to reduce the former, by famine, t© 
a compliance with the acts of parliament. 

On this intelligence the country people assembled in 
great nutubcrs, and could not be satisfied till they had 
.sent messengers into Boston to enquire into the truth 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 39 

of the report. These messengers were instructed to 
inform the town's people, thcit if they should he so pu- 
sillanimous as to make a surrender of their libertici^, 
the province would not think itself bound by »uch ex- 
ample ; and that Britain, by breaking their original 
charter, had annulled the contract subsisting between 
them, and left them to act as they might think proper. 

In every other respect the people manifested their 
inflexible determination to adhere to the pi.;in they 
had so long followed. The new counsellors and judges., 
who had been appointed by the crown, were obliged 
to resign their otlices, to preserve their lives and pro- 
perty from the fury of the multitude. In some in- 
stances the crowd shut up the avenues to the court- 
houses ; and when required to make way for the 
judges, the reply was, " We own no judges but such as 
were appointed by the ancient usjige and custom of 
the province." 

Every where the people manifested the most ardent 
desire of learning the art of war ; and every individu- 
al, who was capable of bearing arms, wp.s now most as- 
siduously engaged in procuring them and learning their 
exercise. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Gen. Ga^^e fortifies Boston neck. — Indignation of the citizens.— 
General meeting of the inhabitants of the adjacent towns. — 
Vigorous measures recommended. — Governor calls a general 
assembly. — Assembly vote themselves into a provincial con- 
gress. — Difficulty of providing shelter and clotliing for B.Htish 
troops. — Provincials provide money and arms for an army. — 
Public stores at Newport seized. 

Matters at last proceeded to such a height that 
General Gage thought proper to fortify the neck of 
land which joins the town of Boston to the continent. 
This, though undoubtedly a prudent measure in his 
situation, was exclaimed against by the Americans in 
the most vehement mauney : but the general, instead 



40 HISTORY OF T'HE 

of giving ear to their rGmonstranres, deprived them of 
the power of aciin*.^ against himself, by seizing the pro- 
^iaciil powJei-, ammunition, and miUtary stores, at 
Camin^i.lge and Charlestown. 

This proceeding excited such indignation, that it 
was with the utmost difficulty the people could he re- 
strained from marching to -Boston and attacking the 
troops. Even in the town itself, the company of ca- 
dets that u-iually attended the governor, disbanded 
themselves, and returned the standard he had pre- 
sce.ted to them on his accession to the government. 
This was occasioned b}'^ his having deprived the cele- 
brated patriot, John Hancock, afterwards president of 
the congress, of his commission as colonel of cadets, 
A similar instance happened on account of a provincid 
colonel having accepted a seat in the new council ; 
upon whicli t'.venty-fcur officers of his regiment re- 
signed their commissions in r.ne day. 

fn the mean time a meeting was held' of the priaei- 
pal inhabitants of the towns adjacent to Boston. The 
purport of this vv^as publicly to renounce all obedience 
to the late acts of parliament, anu to form an engage- 
ment to indemmify such as should be prosecuted on 
that account. B}'" a vote of this meeting, the members 
of the new council were declared to be violators of 
the rights of their country; all ranks and degrees 
were exhorted to learn the use of arms ; and the re- 
ceivers of the public revenue were entreated not to 
deliver it into the treasury, but to retain it in their own 
hands until the constitution should be restored, or a 
provincial congress dispose of it otherwise^ 

A remonstrance against the fortifications on Boston 
neck was next prepared ; in which it was declared 
that the people were still unwilling to proceed to any 
hostile measures, but were, nevertheless, firmly de- 
termined not to submit to the acts of parliament they 
had already so much complained of. 

The governor, in order to restore tranquility if pos- 
sible, called a general assembly ; but so many of the 
council had resigned their seats, that he was induced to 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 41 

cmintermand its sitting by proclamation. This last, 
however, was considered an illegal measure, and the 
assembly met at Salem ; and after waiting one day for 
the governor, they voted themselves into a provincial 
congress, of which Mr. John Hancock was chosen pre- 
sident. A committee was appointed, who immediately 
waited on the governor with a remonstrance concern- 
ing the fortifications on Boston neck ; but nothing of 
consequence took place — ^both parties mutually crioii- 
nating each other. 

Winter was now coming on, and the governor, t© 
avoid quartering the troops upon the inhabitants, pro- 
posed to erect barracks for them ; but the select-men 
of Boston caused the workmen to desist. Carpenters 
were then sent for to New-York, but they were re- 
fused ; and it was with the utm.ost difficulty that he 
could procure winter lodgings for his troops. Nor 
was the difficulty less in procuring clothes, as the 
.merchants of New-York told him they " never would 
supply any article for the benefit of men sent as ene- 
mies to their country." 

This disposition, known to be almost universal 
throughout the continent, was in the highest degree 
satisfactory to congress. Every one saw that the en- 
suing spring was to be the season for commencing hos- 
tilities, and the most indefatigable diligence was used 
by the colonies, to be well provided against such a for- 
midable enemy. 

A list of all the fencible men in each colony was 
made out, and especially of those who had served in 
the former war ; of whom they Ijad the satisfiiction to 
find, that two thirds were still alive, and fit to bear 
arms. Magazines of arms were collected, and money 
was provided for the payment of troops. 

The governors in vain attempted to put a stop to 
these proceedings by proclamations ; the fatal period 
was now arrived, and the more the servants of govern- 
ment attempted to repress the spirit of the Americans, 
the more violent it appeared. 

In the mean time^the inhabitants of Boston were re- 
4* 



4"2 HISTORY OP THE 

duced to great distress. The British troops, now dis- 
tinguished by the name of the enemy, were absolutely 
•in possession of it ; the inhabitants were kept as pris- 
oners, and might be made accountable for the conduct 
of the whole colonies ; and various measures were con-^ 
trived to relieve them from such a disagreeable situa« 
tion. 

Sometimes it was thought expedient to remove the 
inhabitants altogether ; but this was impracticable, 
without the governor's consent. It was thjen proposed 
to set hrc to the towii at once» after valuing the houses 
snd ii3demivifying the proprietors ; but this being found 
equally impracticaWe> it was resolved to wait some 
other opportunity, as the garrison was not very nume- 
rous, and, not being supplied with necessaries by the 
inhabitants, might soon be obliged to leave the place. 

The friends of the British government indeed at'- 
tempted to do something in opposition to the general 
voice of the people ; brft, jvfter a few ineffectual meet- 
ings and resolutions, they were utterly silenced, and 
obliged to yield to the superior number of their adver-^ 

Matters liad now proceeded so far, that every idea 
of reconciliation or friendship with Britain was lost. 
The Americans, tlierefore, without ceremony, began 
to seize on the military stores and -ammunition belong- 
ing togovernmeiit. This tirst cemmenced at Newport, 
in liliodc-island, where the inhabitants carried off forty 
.piece-, of can:ion, appointed for- the protection of the 
pl'vze ;. Jiiid on being aslced the reason of >this proceed- 
iiig, they replied, that the people had seized them lest 
til 'y should be m ide use of against themselves. 

Aiior this, tiie assembly met, and resolved, that am- 
munition and warlike stores should be purchased with 
the public money. 

!^ew-Hampskii?e followed the example of Rhode- 
lijland, and seized a small fort, for the sake of the pow- 
der and military stores it contained. 

In Pennsylva!iia, however, a convention was held, 
yhlch expressed an earnest de.^ire of a.reconciliatiou 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 43 

with the mother country ; though at the same time, ia 
the strongest manner declaring, that they were resolv- 
ed to take up arms in defence of their just rights, and 
defend to the last their opposition to the late acts of 
parliament ; and the people were exhorted to apply 
themselves, with the greatest assiduity, to the prose- 
cution of such manufactures as were necessary for their 
defence and subsistence, such as salt, salt-petre, gun- 
powder, steel, kc. 

This was the universal voice of the colonies, New- 
York only excepted. The assembly of that province, 
as yet ignorant of the fate of their last remonstrance, 
refused to concur with the other colonies in their de- 
termination to throw off the British yoke. Their at- 
tachment, however, was very faint ; and by the event 
•it appeared, that a perseverance in the measures which 
the ministry had adopted, was sufticient to unite them 
to the rest. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Confess at Cambrid;^e. — Minute men organized. — British at- 
tempt the seizure of arms at Salem. — Commencement of hos- 
tilities at Lexington. — Destruction of military stores at Coa- 
cord. — British retreat, with considerable loss, to Boston. — 
Americans collect 20,000 men, and block up the town of Bos- 
-ton. — Arrival of a reinforcement from England. — Battle of 
Bunker's Hill. — Charlestown burnt. 

As the disturbances had originated in the province of 
Massachusetts Bay, and there continued all along with 
the greatest violence, so this was the provijiice where 
the first hostilities v/ere foraially commenced, tn the 
beginning of February, 1775, the provincial congress 
met at Cambridge ; and as no friends to Britain could 
now find admittance to that assembly, the only consider- 
ation was,^how to make proper preparations for war. 

Expertness in military discipline Avas recommended 
in the strongest manner, and several niilit iry institutions 
enacted, among which that of minute men was one of 
tljie most remarkable. These \vere chose.a from. th« 



^4 HIST6RY OF THE 

most active and expert among the militia ; and their 
business was to keep themselves in constant readiness 
at the call of their officers ; from which perpetual vigi- 
lance they derived their title. 

It was now easily seen, that a slight occasion would 
bring on hostilities, which could not but be attended 
with the most violent and certain destruction to the van- 
quished party ; for both were so much exasperated by 
a long course of reproaches and literary v/arfare, 
that they seemed to be filled with the utmost invetera- 
cy against each other. 

On the 26th of February, Gen. Gage having been in- 
formed that a number of tield-pieces had been brought 
to Salem, dispatched a party to seize them. Their 
Toad was obstructed by a river, over which was a draw- 
bridge. This the people had pulled up, and refused 
to let down ; upon which the soldiers seized a boat to 
ferry them over ; but the people cut out her bottom. 

Hostilities would immediately have commenced, had 
it not been for the interposition of a clergyman, who 
represented to the military on the one hand, the folly 
of opposing such numbers, and to the people, on the 
other, that as the day was far spent, the military could 
not execute their design, so that they might without any 
fear leave them the quiet possession of the draw-bridge. 
This was complied with ; and the soldiers, after having 
remained for some time at the bi-idge, returned without 
executing their orders. 

The next attempt, however, was attended with more 
serious consequences. Gen. Gage having been in- 
formed that a large quantity of ammunition and mili- 
tary stores had been collected at Concord, about twen- 
ty miles from Boston, and where the provincial congress 
was sitting, sent a detachment under the command o£ 
Col. Smith and Maj. Pitcairn to destroy the stores, and, 
as was reported, to seize Messrs. Hancock and Adams, 
the leading men of the congress. 

They set out before day-break, on the 19th of April, 
marching with the utmost silence, and securing every 
out ihey met on the road, that they might not be dis- 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 45 

covered. But notwithstanding all their care, the con- 
tinual ringing of bells and firing of guns ;is they went 
along, soon gave them notice that the country was 
alarmed. 

About five in the morning, they had reached Lexing- 
ton, fifteen miles from Boston, where the militia of the 
place were exercising. An officer called out to them 
to disperse ; but, as they still continued in a body, he 
advanced, discharged bis pistol, and ordered his soldiers 
to fire ; who instantly obeyed, and killed and wounded 
several of the militia. The detachment then proceeded 
to Concord, where, having destroyed the stores, they 
were encountered by the Americans, and a scuffle en- 
sued, in which several fell on both sides. 

The purpose of their expedition being thus accom- 
plished, it was necessary for the king's troops to retreat, 
which they did through a continual fire kept upon them 
from Concord to Lexington. Here their ammunition 
was totally expended ; and they would have been una* 
voidably cut off, had not a considerable reinforcement, 
commanded by Lord Percy, met them. 

The Americans, however, continued their attack 
with great fury ; and the British would still have been 
in the utmost danger, had it not been for two field-pie- 
ces which Lord Percy had brought with him. By 
these the impetuosity of the Americans was checked, 
and the British made good their retreat to Boston with 
the loss of 250 killed and wounded : that of the Amer- 
icans was about 60. 

By this engagement the spirits of the Americans were 
so raised, that they meditated nothing less than the to- 
tal expulsion of the British troops from Boston. An 
army of 20,000 men was assembled, who formed a line 
of encampment from Roxbury to Mystic, through a 
space of about twenty miles ; and here they were soon 
after joined by a large body of Connecticut troops, un- 
der Gen. Putnam, an old officer of great bravery and 
experience. 

By this formidable force, was the town of Boston 
Qow kept blocked up. Qen. Gage, however, had so 



46 



HISTORY OF THE 




AMERICAN REVOLUTIOxN. 47 

Strongly fortified it, that the Americans, powerful as 
they were, durst not make an attack ; while, on the 
nther hmd, his force was by far too insignificant to 
meet such an enemy in the field. 

But towards the end of May, a considerable rein- 
forcement having arrived, with. Generals Howe, Bur- 
goyne, and Clinton, he w;is soon enabled to attempt 
something of consequence ; and this, the boasts of the 
provincials, that they were besieging those that had 
been sent to subdue them, seemed to render in some 
measure necessary. 

Some skirmishes, in the mean time, happened in the 
islands lying off Boston harbor, in which the Ameri- 
cans had the advantage, and burnt an armed schooner, 
which her people had been obliged to abandon, after 
she was left aground by the tide. Notliing decisive, 
however, took place, till the 17th of June. 

In the neighborhood of Cliarlestown, (a place on the 
northern shore of the peninsula on which Boston^tands,) 
is a high ground called Bunker'' s Hill, which overlooks 
and commands the whole town of Boston. In the night 
of the 16th, the provincials took ])Ossession of this 
place, and worked with such indefatigable diligence, 
that, to the astonishment of their enemies, they had, 
before day-light, almost completed a redoubt, with a 
strong entrenchment, reaching half a mile eastward, as 
far as the river Mystic. After this, they were obliged 
to sustain a heavy and incessant fire from the ships and 
floating batteries with which Charlestown neck was 
surrounded, as well as the cannon that could reach the 
place from Boston ; in spite of which, however, they 
continued their work, and finished it before mid-day. 

A considerable body of foot was tlien landed at the 
foot of Bunker's Hill, under the.comniand of Generals 
Howe and Pigot ; the former being appointed to attack 
the lines, and the latter the redoubt. The Anxcricans, 
however, having the advantage of the ground, as well 
as of their entrenchments, poured down such incessant 
volleys as threatened the whole body with destruction ; 



48 HISTORY OF tHE 

and Gen. Howe was for a little time left almost done, 
all his ofl:cei-s being killed or wounded. 

The provincials, in the mean time, had taken pos- 
session of Charlestown, so that Gen. Pigot was obliged 
to contend '.vith them in that place, as well as in the re- 
doubt. The consequence was, that he was overmatch- 
ed, his troops were thrown into disorder, and he would 
in all probability have been defeated, had not Gen. 
Clinton advanced to his relief ; upon which the attack 
was renewed with such fury, that the provincials were 
driven beyond the neck that leads to Charlestown. 

In the heat of the engagement, the British troops, 
in order to deprive the enemy of a cover, set fire to 
Charlestown, which was totally consumed ; and, event- 
ually, the Americans were obliged to retreat over 
Charlestown neck, which was raked by an incessant 
fire from the Glasgow man-of-war and several floating 
batteries. In this engagement the loss on the British 
side amounted to about one thousand, including nine- 
teen ofmiers killed, and serenty wounded. The Amer- 
ican loss, which did not exceed, in killed and wounded, 
two hundred men, was greatly augmented and severely 
felt, in the fill of the brave General Warren, a young 
officer of much promise. 

The British troops chiimed the victory in this en-- 
gagement, but it must be allowed it was dearly brought ; 
and the Americans boasted that the real acJvantages 
were oii their side, as they had so much weakened the 
enemy that they durst not afterwards venture out of 
their entrenchments. Considering that this was the 
first time the provincials had been in actual service, it 
must be owned that they behaved with great spirit, and 
by no means merited the appellation of cowards, with 
which they had been often branded in Britain. 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 4^ 



CHAPTER IX. 

Oeaeral determination to resist the measures of the British gor- 
ernment. — Rejection of Lord North's conciliatory scheme. — 
Congress resolve to establish an army and paper currency.— 
Crown-Point and Ticonderoga surprized and taken by Cols. 
Allen and Eaton. — Articles q( confederation drawn up and 
agreed to in congress. — Canadians resolve to preserve a neu- 
trality. 

In other places, the same determined spirit of resist- 
ance appeared on the part of the Americans. Lord 
North's concihatory scheme was utterly rejected by 
the assemblies of the states of Femisylvania and New- 
Jersey, and afterwards in every other colony. 

The commencement of hostilities at Lexington deter- 
mined the colony of Nev.-York, which had hitherto con- 
tinued to waver, to unit^. with the rest ; and ns the situ- 
ation of New- York rendered it unable to resist an attack 
from the sea, it was resolved, before the arrival of a 
British fleet, to secure the military stores, send off the 
women and cliildren, and to set fire to the ciiy if it was 
still found incapable of defence. 

The exportation of provisions was every where pro- 
hibited, particularly to tlie British fishery on the baiiks 
ofNewfoundland, or to snch colonics of America as 
should ;adhere to the Britsh interest. Congress resolv- 
ed on tlie estabUshment of an arnn^ and of a large pa- 
per-currency in order to support it. 

In the northern inland colonies, Colonels Eaton and 
Ethan Allen, without receiving any orders from Con- 
gress, or comniunicating their design to anybody, with 
a party of only tu'o hundred and lil'ty men, siirprisedthe 
forts of Crown- Point, Ticonderoga, and the rest that 
form a communication betwixt the colonics and Cana- 
da. On this occasion two hundred pieces of cannon 
fell into their hands, besides mortars and a large quan- 
tity of military stores, together with two armed vessels, 
and materials for the construction of others. 

After the battle of Bunker's Hill, the provincials 



50 HISTORY OF THE 

erected fortifications on the heights which commanded 
Charlestown, and strengthened the rest in such a manner 
that there was no hope of driving them from thence ; 
at the same time that their activity and boldness aston- 
ished the British olhcers, who had been accustomed to 
entertain a mean and unjust opinion of their courage. 

The troops, thus shut up in Boston, were soon redu- 
ced to distress. Their necessities obU^ged them to at- 
tempt the carrying off the American cattle on the islands 
before Boston, v/hich produced frequent skirmishes ; 
but the provincials, better acquainted with the naviga- 
tion of these shores, landed on the islands, destroyed 
and carried off whatever was of any use, burned the 
light-house at the entrance of the harbour, and took 
prisoners the workmen sent to repair it, as well as a 
party of marines Avho guarded them. 

Thus the garrison were reduced to the necessity of 
sending out armed vessels to make prizes indiscrimin- 
ately of^ that came in their way, and of landing in dif- 
ferent ^Pes to plunder for subsistence as well as they 
could. 

The congress in the mean time continued to act with 
all the vigor which its constituents hud expected. Ar- 
ticles of confederation and perpetual union were drawn 
up and solenmly ai^reed upon ; by which they bound 
themselves and their posterity forever. These were 
in substance as follow : 

1. ICach colony was to be independent within it- 
self, and to retain an absolute sovereignty in all domes^ 
tic affairs. 

'2. Delegates to be annually elected to meet in con- 
gress, at such time and place as should be enacted ia 
the preceeding congress. 

3. This assembly should have the power of deter- 
miniiig war or peace, making alliances ; and, in short, 
all that power which sovereigns of states usually claim 
as their own. 

4. The expenses of war to be paid out of the com- 
mon treasury, and raised by a poll-tax on males from 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 51 

sixteen to sixty : and the proportions to be determined 
by the laws of the colony. 

6. An executive council to be appointed, to act in 
place of the congress during its recess. 

6. No colony to make war with the Indians without 
the consent of congress. 

7. The boundaries of all the Indian lands to be secur- 
ed and ascertained to them ; and no purchases of lands 
were to be made by individuals, or even by a colony, 
without the consent of congress. 

8. Agents appointed by congress should reside among 
the Indians, to prevent fraud in trading with them, and 
to relieve, at the public expense, their wants and dis- 
tresses. 

9. This confederation to last until there should be a 
reconcihation vAih Britian ; or, if that event should not 
take place, it was to be perpetual. 

After the action of Bunker's Hill, however, when 
the power. of Great Britian appeared less formidable in 
the eyes of America than before, congress proceeded 
formally to justify their proceedings in a (leclaration 
drawn up in terms more expressive, and v,e\\ calcula- 
ted to excite attention. 

" Were it possible (said they) for men v/ho exer- 
cise their reason, to believe, that the Divine Author of 
our existence, intended a part of the human race to 
hold an absolute property in, and unbounded power o- 
ver others, marked out by his infinite goodness and wis- 
dom as the objects of a legal domination, never right- 
fully resistible, however severe and oppressive ; the 
inhabitants of these colonies mif^bt at least require from 
the parliament of Great Britain, some evidence that 
this dreadful authority over them had been gnmted to 
that body: But a reverence for our Great Creator, 
principles of humanity, and the dictates of commion 
sense, must convince all those who reflect upon the 
subject, that government was instituted to promote the 
welfare of mankind, and ought to be administered for 
the attainment of that end. 

*^ The legislature of Great Britain, however, stimu- 



frl HISTORY OF THE 

iated by an inordinate passion for power, not only unjus- 
tiii'ible, but which they know to be peculiarly reproba- 
ied by the very constitution of that kingdonx, and des- 
pairing of success in any mode of contest where regard 
should be had to law, truths or right, have, at length, 
deserting those, attempted to effect their cruel and im- 
politic purpose of enslaving these colonies by violence, 
and have thereby rendered it necessary for us to close 
with their last appeal from reason to arms. Yet, how- 
ever blinded that assembly may be, by their intemper- 
ate rage for unlimited domination, so to slight justice 
in the opinion of mankind, we esteem ourselves bound 
by obligations to the rest of the world, to make knowa 
the justice of our cause." 

After taking notice of the manner in which their an- 
cestors left Britain, the happiness attending the mutual 
inendiy commerce betwixt that country and her colo- 
nies, and the remarkable success of the late war, they 
proceed as follows : " The new ministry, finding the 
i'five foes of Britiin, though frequently defeated, yet 
still contending, took up the unfortunate idea of granting 
them a hasty peace, and of then subduing her faithful 
friends. 

'' These devoted colonies were judged to be in such 
a si lie iis to present victories without bloodshed, and all 
tlio easy emoluments of statutable plunder. Theunin- 
tempted tenor of their peacable and respectful behav- 
ior from the beginning of their colonization ; their du- 
tiful, zealous, and useful services during the war, though 
30 recently and amply acknowledged in the most hon- 
ourable manner by his majesty, by the late king, and 
by parliament, could not save them from the intended 
i.movations. Parliament was influenced to adopt the 
pernicious project ; and assuming a new power over 
them, has in the course of eleven years, given such de- 
cisive specimens of the spirit and consequences attend- 
ing this power, as to leave no doubt of the effects of ac- 
-qdiesconce under it. 

*' They have uadertaken to give and grant our mo- 
ney ^vithout ou? consent, though wehave ever excersi^ 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 53 

sed an exclusive right to dispose of our own property^ 
Statutes have been passed for extending the jurisdic- 
tion of the courts of admiralty and vice-admiralty bey- 
ond their ancient limits ; for depriving us of the accus- 
tomed and inestimable rights of trial b}^ jury, in cases 
aflfecting both life and property ; for suspending the 
legislature of one of our colonies ; for interdicting all 
commerce to the capital of an other ; and for altering, 
fundamentally, the form of government established by 
charter, and secured by acts of its own legislature ; and 
solemnly confirmed by the crown ; for exempting the 
murderers of colonists from legal trial, and in effect 
from punishment ; for erecting in a neighbouring pro- 
vince, acquired by the joint arms of Great Britain and 
America, a despotism dangerous to our very existence ; 
and for quartering soldiers upon the colonists in a time 
of profound peace. It has also been resolved in par- 
liament, that colonists, charged withcommitting certain 
offences, shall be transported to England to be tried, 

" But why should we enumerate our injuries in de- 
tail ? — By one statute it is declared, that parliament can 
of right make laws to bind us in all cases whatever. 
What is to defend us against so enormous, so unlimited 
a power ? Not a single person who assumes it is chosen 
by us, or is subject to our controul or influence ; but, 
on the contrary, they are all of them exempt from the 
operation of such laws ; and an American revenue, if 
not diverted from the ostensible purposes for which it 
was raised, would actually lighten their own burthens, 
IB proportion as it increases ours. 

" We saw the misery to which such despotism would 
reduce us. We, for ten years, incessantly and ineffec- 
tually besieged the throne, as suppHants ; we reason- 
ed, we remonstrated with parliament, in the most mild 
and decent language ; but administration, sensible that 
we should regard these measures as freemen ought to 
do, sent over fleets and armies to enforce them 

** We have pursued every temperate, every pe- 
spectful measure ; we have even proceeded to break 
off all commercial intercourse with our fellow sub- 
6* 



»^4 IlIStORY OP THg 

jects, as our 1 ist peaceable admonition, that our attacli- 
ment to no nation on earth would supplant our attach- 
ment to liberty. This we flattered ourselves was the 
iiltimate step of the controversy ; but subsequent 
events have shown how vain was this hope of finding 
moderation in our enemies ! 

" The lords and commons, in tbeir address in the 
month of February, said, that a rebellion a;t that time 
acinally existed in the province of Massachusetts-Bay ; 
and tliat those concerned in it had been countenanced 
and encouraged by unlawful combinations and engage- 
ments entered into by his majesty's subjects in several 
of the colonies ; and therefore they besought his ma- 
jesty that be would talte the most effectual measures 
to enforce due ebedience to the laws and authority of 
the supreme legislature. 

" Soon after, the commercial intercourse of whole 
colonies, with foreign countries, was cut off by an act 
of parlisiinent ; by another, several of them were en- 
tirely prohibited from the fisheries in the seas near 
their coasts, oft which they always depended for their 
subsistence ; and large reinforcements of ships and 
troops were immediately sent over to Gen. Gage. 

"• Fruitless were the entreaties, arguments, and elo- 
quence, of an illustrious band of the most distinguished 
peers and commoners, who nobly and strenuously as- 
serted the justice of our cause, to stay, or even to 
mitigate, the heedless fury with which these accumu- 
lated outrages were hurried on. Equally fruitless was 
the interference of the city of London, of Bristol, and 
of many other respectable towns in our favor." 

Afler reproaching parliament. Gen. Gage, and the 
British government in general, they proceed thus :— 
*' We are reduced to the alternative of choosing an un- 
conditional submission to tyranny, or resistance by 
•force. The latter is our choice. We have counted 
the cost of this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as 
Toluntary slavery. Honor, justice, and humanity, for- 
bid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we re- 
ceived from our gallant ancestors, and which our inncH 



AM*:RICAN REV0LUTI05I. 55 

lEveht posterity have a right to receive from us. Our 
taui^e is just ; our union is perfect; our internal re- 
sources are great ; and, if necessary, foreign assistance 
is undoubtedly attainable. 

" We fight not for glory or conquest. We exhibit to 
mankind the remarkable spectacle of people attacked 
by unprovoked enemies. They boast of their privi- 
leges and civilization, and yet proffer no milder condi- 
tions than servitude or death. In our native land, in 
defcnce of the freedom that is our birthright, for the 
protection of our property, acquired by the honest in- 
dustry of our forefathers and our own, agaimt violence 
actually offered, we have taken up arms ; we shall lay 
•them down when hostilities shall cease on the part of 
9ur aggressors, and all danger of their being renewed 
shall be removed — and not before." 

These are some of the most striking passages in the 
declaration of congress on taking up arms against Great 
Britain, and dated July 6th, 1775. Withaut if^quiring 
whether the principles on which it is founded^8?pe right 
or wrong, the determined spirit which it shows, ought 
to have convinced the people of Britain, that the con- 
quest of America was an event scarce ever to be ex- 
pected. In every other respect, an equal spirit was 
shown ; and the rulers of the British nation had the 
mortification to see those whom they styled rebels and 
trg.itors, succeed in negociations in which they themr 
selves were utterly foiled. 

In the passing of the (^ueber. bill, the ministry had 
flattered themselves that the Canadians would be so 
much attached to them on account of restoring the 
French laws, that they would very readily join in any 
attempt against the colonists, who had reprobated that 
bill in such strong'terma. But in this, as in every thing 
else indeed, they found themselves mistaken. The Ca- 
Hidians having been subject to Great Britain for a pe- 
riod of fifteen years, and being thus rendered sensible 
of the advantages of British government, received the 
bill itself with evident marks of disapprobation, nay,, 
reprobated it as tyranical and oppressive. 



56 HISTORY OF THE 

A scheme had been formed for Gen. Carleton, gov- 
ernor of the province, to raise an army of Canadians 
wherewith to act against the Americans ; and so san- 
guine were the hopes of administration in this respect, 
that they had sent twenty thousand stand of arms, and 
a great quantity of military stores, to Quebec for the 
purpose. But the people, though they did notjoin the 
Americans, yet were found immoveable in their pur- 
pose to stand neuter. Application was made to the 
^bishop, but he declined to interpose his influence, as 
contrary to the rules of the Popi,sh clergy ; so that 
the utmost efforts of government in this piovince were 
found to answer little or no purpose. 



CHAPTER X. 

. Britain jittempts to engage the Indians in their cause. — Address 
of cojteress to the Indians, by which they are engaged to pre- 
serve a neutrality. — George Washington appointed comman- 
der-in-chief of the American forces. — Georgia joins the con- 
federacy. — Conquest of Canada contemplated — Reduction of 
Chamblee.- — St. Johns taken by the Americans. — Montreal, 
and the British shipping there, surrenders to the Americans. . 

The British administration next tried to engage the 
Indians in their cause. But though agents were dis- 
persed among them, with large presents to their chiefs, 
they universally replied, that they did not understand 
the nature of the quarrel, nor could they distinguish 
whether those who dwelt in America, or those on the 
other side of the ocean, were in fault ; but they were 
surprised to see Englishmen ask their assistance against 
one another, and advised them to be reconciled, and 
not to think of shedding the blood of their brethren. 

To the representations of congress the Indians paid 
more respect. These set forth, that the English, on 
the other side of the ocean, had taken up arms to en- 
slave not only their countrymen in America, but the 
Indians also ; and if the latter should -enable theia to 



iyVlERlCAN REVOIXTTION. 57 

overcome the colonists, they themselves would soon 
be reduced to a state of slavery also. 

By arguments of this kind, these savages were pre- 
vailed on to remain neuter ; and thus the colonies were 
freed from a most dangerous enemy. On this occa- 
sion the congress thought fit to hold a solemn confer* 
ence with the different tribes of Indians. The speech 
made by them on this occasion, is too long to be fully 
inserted ; the following is an extract : 

*' Brothers, Sachems, and Warriors ! 

" We, the delegates from the Twelve United Prov- 
inces, now sitting in general congress at Philadelphia, 
send their talk to you, our brothers. 

" Brothers and Friends, now attend! 

"When our fathers crossed the great water, and 
came over to this land, the king of England gave them 
a talk, assuring them that they and their children should 
be his children ; and that if they would leave their na- 
tive country, and make settlements, and live here, and 
buy and sell, and trade with their brethren beyond the 
water, they should still keep hold of the same covenant 
chain, and enjoy peace ; and it was covenanted, that 
the fields, houses, goods, and possessions, which bur 
fathers should acquire, should remain to them as their 
own, and be their children's for ever, and at their sole 
disposal. 

" Brothers and friends, open an ear! 

" We will now tell you of the quarrel betwixt the 
counsellors of King George and the inhabitants and coU 
onies of America. 

" Many of his counselloi«8 have persuaded him to 
break the covenant chain, and not to send us any more 
good talks. They have prevailed upon him to enter 
into a covenant against us, and have torn asunder, and 
cast behind their backs, the good old covenant which 
their ancestors and ours entered into, and took strong 
hold of. They now tell us they will put their hands 
into our pocket without asking, as though it v/ere fheir 
own ; and at their pleasure they will take from us our 
charters, or written civil constitution^ which we love as 



58 HISTORY OF THE 

our lives ; also our plantations, our houses, and our 
goods, whenever they please, without asking our leave. 
They tell us that our vessels may go to this or that isl- 
and in the sea, but to that or this particular ishmd we 
shall not trade any more ; and in case of our non-com- 
pliance with these new orders, they shut up our har- 
bors. 

" Brothers ! We live on the same ground with you ; 
the same island is our common birth-place. We desire 
to sit down under the same tree of peace with you ; let 
us water its roots, and cherish the growth, till the large 
leaves and flourishing branches shall extend to the set- 
ting sun, and reach the skies. If any thing disagreea- 
ble should ever fall out between us, the Twelve United 
Colonies, and you, to wound our peace, let us imme- 
diately seek measures for healing the breach- From 
the present situation of our affairs, we judge it expedi- 
ent to kindle up a small lire at Albany, where we may 
hear each other's voice, and disclose our minds fully ta 
one another." 

The other remarkable transactions of this congress 
were, the ultimate refusal of the conciliatory proposal 
made by Lord North, of which such sanguine expecta- 
tions had been formed by the English ministry ; and the 
appointment of a generalissimo to command their ar- 
mies, which were now very numerous. The person 
chosen for this purpose, was George Washington, a man 
so universally beloved, that he was raised to this high 
station by the unanimous voice of congress ; and his 
subsequent conduct showed him every way worthy of 
the confidence repo3«.^d in him. 

Horace Gates and Charles Lee, two English officers 
•f considerable reputation, were also chosen ; the for- 
mer an adjutant-general, the second a major-general. 
Artemas Ward, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Putnam, 
were likewise nominated major-generals. Seth Pom- 
croy, Richard Montgomery, David Wooster, William 
Healh, Joseph Spencer, John Thomas, John SulHvan,' 
and Nathmiel Green, were chosen brigadier-generala 
at the same time. 



AMERICAN REVOLUtrON. 59 

Congress had now also the satisfaction to receive de- 
puties from the colony of Georgia, expressing a desire 
to join the confeaeracy. The reasons they gave for re- 
nouncing their aliegi;..cce to Britain, Avere, that the con- 
duct of parliatuent tovvaids the other colonies had been 
eppressive ; that though the obnoxious acts had not 
been extended to them, they could view this only as an 
omission, because of the seeciing little consequence of 
their colony ; and therefore looked upon it rather to be 
a slight than a favor. At the same time they framed a 
petition to the king, siniilar to that sent by the other 
colonies, and which met with a similar reception. 

The success which had hitherto attended the Amer- 
icans in all their measures, now emboldened them to 
think, not only of defending themselves, but like\^ise 
of actmg offensively against Great Britain. The con- 
quest of Canada appeared an object within their reach, 
and one that would be attended with many advantages ; 
and as an invasion of that province was already facili- 
tated by the taking of Crown-Point and Ticonderoga, 
it was resolved, if possible, to penetrate that vvay into 
Cimada, and reduce Quebec during the winter, before 
the fleets and aruiies, which they were well assured 
would sail thither trom Britain, should arrive. 

By Older of congress, therefoi-'e, three thousand men 
were put under the com.mand of Generals Montgomery 
and Schuyler, with orders to proceed to Lake Cham- 
plain, from whence they were to be conveyed in fiat- 
bottonied boats to the n ouih of the river wSorel, a branch 
of the great river St. LaTt\rence, and on which was sit- 
"iiated a fort of ihe same nan.e with the river. 

On the other hand, they were opposed by General 
Carleton, governor of Canada, (a n an of great activity 
and experience in war,) who, with a ver}'^ few troops, 
had hitherto been able to keep in awe the discfiected 
people of Canada, notwitlistanding ail the representa- 
tions of the colonists. He had now augmented his army 
by a considerable number. of Indians, jmd promised, 
even in his present situation, to make a very lormida- 
ble resistance. 



60 HISTORY OF THE 

As soon as General Montgomery arrived at Crown* 
Point, he received information that a number of armed 
ressels were stationed at St.. John's, a strong fort on the 
Sorel, with a view to prevent his crossing the lake ; 
on which he took possession of an island which com- 
manded the mouth of the Sorel, and by which he could 
prevent them from entering the lake. In conjunction 
with General Schuyler, he next proceeded to St. John's; 
but finding that place too strong, it was agreed, in a 
council of war, to retire to Isle aux Noix, where Gen- 
eral Schuyler being taken ill, Gen. Montgomery was 
left to command alone. 

His first step was to gain over the Indians whom 
Gen. Carleton had employed, and this he in a great 
measure accomplished ; after which, on receiving the 
full number of troops appointed for his expedition, he 
determined to lay siege to St. Johns. In this he was 
facilitated by the reduction of Chamblee, a small fort 
in the neighborhood, where he found a large supply of 
powder. An attempt was made by Gen. Carleton to 
relieve the place ; for which purpose he had, with 
great pains, collected about a thousand Canadians, while 
Col. M'Lean proposed to raise a regiment of High* 
landers, who had emigrated from Scotland to America. 

But while Gen. Carleton was on his march with these 
new levies, he was attacked by the provincials, and ut- 
terly defeated ; which being made known to another 
body of Canadians who had joined Col. M'Lean, they, 
abandoned him without striking a blow, and he was obli- 
ged to retreat to Qjuebec. 

The defeat of General Carleton was a sufficient rec- 
ompence to the Americans for that of Col. Ethan Allen, 
which happened some time before* The success which 
attended this gentleman against Crown-Point and Ticon- 
deraga, had emboldened him to make a similar attempt 
on Montreal ; but being attacked by the militia of the 
place, supported by a detachment of regulars, he was 
entirely defeated and taken prisoner. 

As the defeat of General Carleton, and the deser- 
tion of M' Lean's forces, left no room for the garrison 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Gl 

of St. John's to hope for any rehef, they now consented 
to surrender themselves prisoners of war ; but were 
in other respects treated withgrent hiimimity. They 
were in number five hundred regul *rs and two hundred 
Canadians, among whom were many of the French no- 
bility, who had been very active in promoting the cause 
of Britain among their countrymen. 

General Montgomery next took measures to prevent 
the British shipping from passing down the river from 
Montreal to (Quebec. This he accomplished so effect- 
ually, that the whole were taken. The town itself was 
obliged to surrender at discretion ; and it was with the 
utmost difficulty that General C'arleton escaped in an 
open boat by the favor of a dark night. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Col. Arnold arrives at Quebec wiH' :i ^hvii] force. — Gen. Mont- 
o-oniery also arrive?. — The coml-iM : u; .,'.y aliack Quebec. — 
Gen. Montgomery killed. — Col. Ari-.uid wounded. — Part of 
the Americans surrende?. — Col. Arnold created brigfadier-gfen- 
eral. — ^Dispute between the Virginians and Lord Duninore, 
Avho abandons the government of the colony .-^League with 
the Ohio hidiaas. 

i^O ■further obstacle now remained in the way of the 
Americar.B to the capital, except v/hat arose from the 
nature of the ro'jntry ; mid these indeed were very con- 
siderable, hoihing, however, could damp the ardor 
of the Americans. 

Notwithstanding it was now the middle of Novem- 
i)er, and the depth of winter was at hand. Col. Arnold 
•f6rmed a design of penetrating through woods, morass- 
es, and the most frightful soUtudes, from New-England 
•to Canada, by a nearer way than that which Gen. Mont- 
:^omery had chosen ; and this he accomplished, in spite 
'of every difficulty, to the astonishment of all who saw 
or heard of the attempt. 

A third part of his men, under another colonel, had 
been obliged to leave him by the way, for want of pro- 
6 



62 HISTORY OF THE 

visions; the total want of artillery rendered his presence 
insignificant before a place so strongly fortified ; and 
the smallness of his army rendered it even doubtful 
whether he could have taken the town by surprize. 

The Canadians, indeed, were amazed at the exploit, 
and their inclination to revolt was somewhat augment- 
ed ; but none of them as yet took up arms in behalf of 
America. 

The consternation into which the town of (Quebec 
was thrcjAvn, proved detrimental rather than otherwise 
to the expedition ; as it doubled the vigilance and activ- 
ity of the inhabitants to prevent any surprize ; and the 
appearance of common dri^ger united all parties, who, 
before the arrival of Arnold, xvere contending most vio- 
lently with one another. 

He was therefore obliged to content liimself with 
blockin..: -ip the a-v cnaes to the town, in order to distress 
ihe garrison lor Vvjait oi" provisions ; and even this he 
Avas unable to do elTectually, by reason of the small num- 
ber of his men. 

The matter was not nmch mended by the arrival of 
General Montgomery. The force he had with him, 
even when united to that of Arnold _ was too insignifi- 
cant to attempt the reduction of a place so strongly for- 
tified, especially with the assistance of only a few mor- 
tars and field-pieces. 

After the siege had continued through the month of 
December, Gen. Montgomery, conscious that he could 
accomplish his end in no other way than by surprize, 
resolved to make an attempt on the last day of the year 
1775. The method he took at this time, was, per- 
hrtf^s, the best that human wisdom could devise. He 
ac!,i!rcrd ])y break of day, in the midst of a heavy fall 
of .-nu,«', which covered his men from the sight of the 
eiieniv. 

Two real attacks were made by himself and Col. Ar- 
nold, at the same time that two feigned attacks were 
nrade on Iv^^o other places, thus to distract the garrison, 
and make them divide their forces. One of tlie real 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 63 

attacks was made by the people of New-York, aiultlie 
other by those of New-England, imder CoL Arnold. 

Their iiopes of surprizing the place, however, were 
defeated, by the signal for the attack being by some 
mistake given too soon. Gen. Blontgomery himself 
had the most dangerous place, being obliged to pass be- 
tween the river and some high rocks, on which the 
upper town stands ; so that he was f^Drced to make what 
haste he could to close with the enemy. 

His fate, however, was now decided. Having forc- 
ed the first barrier, a violent disciiarge of musketry 
and grape-shot from the second, killed him, his princi- 
pal otTicers, and the most of the party he commanded ; 
on which those who remained immediately retreated. 

Col. Arnold, in the mean time, made a desperate at- 
tack on the lower town, and carried one of the barri- 
ers, after an obstinate resistance for an hour ; but in 
the action he himself received a wound, which obliged 
him to withdraw. The attack, however, Vv^as continued 
by the officers whom he had left, and another barrier 
forced ; but the garrison now ]>ercciving that nothing 
was to be feared except from that q^iarter, collected 
their whole force against it, and, afler a desperate en- 
gagement of three hours, overpowered the provincials, 
and obliged them to surrender. 

In this action, it must be confessed, that the valor of 
the provincial troops could not be exceeded. They 
had fought under as great disadvantages as those which 
had attended the British at Bunker's Hill, and had be- 
haved equally well. 

The death of Gen. Montgomery, (says Maj. Meigs, 
in his journal of the expedition,) though honorable, was 
lamented, not only as the death of an amiable, worthy 
friend, but as an experienced, brave officer ; the whole 
country suffered greatly by such a loss at this time. 
The native goodness and rectitude of his heart, might 
easily be seen in his actions ; his sentiments, which ap- 
peared on every occasion, were fraught with that un;if- 
fected goodness, which plainly discovered the virtues 
of the heart from whence they flowed. He was tall 



6i 



HISTORY OF THE 




AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 65 

and slender, well limbed, of a genteel, easy, graceful, 
manly address, and had the voluntary love, esteem, and 
confidence of the whole army. He was shot through 
both thighs, and through his head. His body was tak- 
ed up the next day, an elegant coihn was prepared, and 
he was decently interred the Thursday after. 

Such a terrible disaster left no hope remaining cfthe 
accomplishment of their purpose, as Col. Arnold could 
now scarce number eight hundred effective men under 
his command. He did not, however, abandon the pro- 
vince, or even remove to a greater distance that three 
miles from Quebec ; and here he still found means to 
annoy the garrison very considerably, by intercepting 
their provisions. 

The Canadians, notwithstanding the bad success of 
the American arms, still continued friendly ; and thus^ 
he was enabled to sustain the hardships of a winter en- 
campment in, that most severe climate. The congress, 
far from passing any censure on him for his misfortune, 
created him a brigadier-general. 

• While hostilities were thus carried on with vigor in 
the north, the flame of contention was gradually ex- 
tending itself in the south. Lord Dunmore, the gov- 
ernor of Virginia, was involved in disputes similar to 
those which had taken place in other colonies. These 
had proceeded so far, that the assembly was dissolved,, 
which in this province was attended with a consequence 
unknown to the rest. ^ 

As Virginia contained a great number of slaves, it 
was necessary that a militia should be kept constantly 
on foot, to keep them in awe. During the dissolution 
of the assembly, the militia laws expired ; and the peo- 
ple, after complaining of the danger they were in from 
the negroes, formed a convention, which enacted, that 
each county should raise a quota for the defence of the 
province. 

Dunmore, on this, removed the powder from Wil- 
liamsburgh, which created such discontents, that an im- 
mediate quarrel would probably have ensued, had not 
the merchants of the town undertaken to obtain satis- 
6* 



66 RrSTORY OF THE 

fiction for the injnrv supposed to have been done ta 
tii3 corniniiaity. This tranquiiity, however, was soon 
ii;.':''r}-Mp^cd ; tlie people, a1:\nned by a report that an 
ariiieJ p iriy were, on their way from tlie man-of-war 
where the powder hid been deposited, assembled in 
arms, and determined to oppose^ by force, any farther 
removals. 

In some of the conferences which passed at this time, 
the governor let fill some unguarded expressions, such 
as threatenino; the people with setting up the royal stan- 
d ird, procluinin'j; liberty to the negroes, destroying 
the town of Vv'iliiamsbnrgh, &;c. which were after- 
w.irds nride pnblic, and exaggerated in such a manner 
as greatly to increase the public ferment. 

The people now held f^-equent assemblies. Some of 
them took up arms, w^ith a design to force the governor 
to restore the powder, and to take the public money 
into their own possession ; but on their way to Wil- 
li imsbufgh for this purpose, they were met by the re- 
ceiver general, who became security for the payment 
of die gun-powder, and the inhabitants promised to take ' 
cure of the magazine and puljlic revenue. 

By this insurrection, the governor was so much in- 
timidated, that he sent his family on board a man-of-war. 
He himself, however, issued a proclamation, in which 
he declared the behavior of the persons who promoted 
the tumult treasonable, accused the people of disaffec- 
tion, &c. On their part, the people were by no means 
deficient in recriminating ; and some letters of his to 
Britain being about the same time discovered, conse- 
quences ensued, extremely similar to those which had 
been occasioned by those of Mr. Hutchinson, at Boston. 

In this state of confasion, the governor thought it 
necc^nary to fortify his palace with artillery, [V\d pro- 
cure a party of marines to guard it. Lord North's con- 
ciliatory proposal arriving also about the same time, he 
used liis utmost endeavors to cause the people to com- 
ply with it. The arguments he used were plausible ; 
and, had not matters already gone to s\ich a pitch of 
disiraction, it is highly probable some attention would 



AMIEKTCATf REVOLUTfON. 67 

have been paid to them. " The view (he said) ia 
which the colonies ought to heboid this concilirdory 
proposal, was no more than m earnest admonition from 
Great Britain to relieve her wants ; that the utmost 
condescension had been used in the mode of applica- 
tion, no determinate suin having been fixed, as it was 
thought more worthy of British generosity to take wheit 
they thought could be conveniently spared, and like- 
wise to leave the mode of raising it to themselves," &c. 

But the clamor and dissatisfaction were now so uni- 
versal, that nothing else could be attended to. The 
governor had called an assembly, for the purpose of 
laying this conciliatory proposal before then] ; but it 
had been little attended to. The assembly began their 
session, by inquiries into the state of the magazine. It 
had been broken into by some of the townsr-ien, for 
which reason spring guns had been placed there by the 
governor, which discharged themselves upon the of- 
fenders at their entrance. These circumstances, with 
others of a similar kind, raised such a violent uproar, 
that, as soon as the preliminaiy business of the session-^ 
was over, the governor retired on board a man-of-war, 
informing the assembly that he durst no longer trust 
himself on shore. 

This produced a long course of disputation, which 
ended in a positive refusal of the governor to trust him- 
self again in Williamsburgh, even to give his assent to 
the bills, which could not be passed without it, and 
though the assembly offered to bind themselves for his 
personal safety. In his turn, he requested them to 
meet him on board the man-of-war, where he then was; 
but his proposal was rejected, and all farther corres- 
pondence, containing the least appearance of friend- 
ship, was discontinued. 

Lord Dunmore, having thus abandoned his govern- 
ment, attempted to redi'.re by force those whom he 
could not govern. Some of the most strenuous adher- 
ents to the British cause, whose zeal had rendered 
them obnoxious at home, now rena'' ed to him. He 
was also joined by niambcrs of black slaves. With 



68;> HISTORY OF THE 



these, and tUf assistance of the British shipping, he wa^r 
for some time enabled to carry on a predatory war, suf- 
ficient to hurt and exasperate, but not to subdue. 

After some inconsiderable attempts on land, proclaim- 
ing liberty to the slaves, and setting up the royal stan- 
dard, he took up his residence at Norfolk, a maratime 
town of some consequence, where the people were 
better affected to Britain than in most other places. A 
considerable force, however, was collected against him,, 
and the natural impetuosity of his temper, prompting 
him to act against them with more courage than caution,, 
be was entirely defeated, and was obliged to retire to 
his shipping, v.-hjch was now crov» ded by the number 
©f those who had incurred the resentment of the pro- 
rincials. 

In the mean time, a scheme of the utmost magnitude 
and importance was formed by one Mr. Conolly, a, 
Pennsylvanian attached to the cause of Britain. The 
first step of this plan was to enter into a league Mith the 
Ohio Indians. This he communicated to Lord Dun- 
more, and it received his approbation : upon which 
Conolly set out, and actually succeeded in his design.. 
On his return, he was dispatched to Gen. Gage, from 
whom he received a colonel's commission, and set out 
in order to execute the remainder of his scheme. 

The plan in general was, that he should return to the 
Ohio, where, by the assist'uice of the British and In- 
dians in those parts, he was to penetrate through the 
back settlements to Virginia, and join Lord Dunmore at 
Alexandria. But, by an accident very naturally to be 
expected, he was discovered, taken prisoner, and coxi- 
fined. 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. fit 



CHAPTER XII. 

Norfolk burnt by the British. — The governors of the Carolinas 
expelled the provinces. — Gen. Gage resigns his command to 
Gen. Howe. — (jen. Washington attacks Boston, — Evacuation 
of the town by the British. — Declaration of Independence.-?- 
Second attack on Quebec proves unsuccessful. — Americans re- 
tire from Quebec. 

After the retreat of Lord Dunmore from Norfolk, 
that place was taken possession of by the provincials, 
who greatly distressed those on board Lord Dnnmore's 
fleet, by refusing to supply them with any necessaries. 
This proceeding drew a remonstrance from his lord- 
ship, in which he insisted, that the fleet should be sup- 
plied with necessaries ; but his request being denied, 
a resolution was taken to set fire to the town. 

After giving the inhabitants proper warning, a party 
landed, under cover of a man of war, and set fire to that 
part which lay nearest the shore ; but the flames were 
observed at the same time to break forth in every other 
quarter, and the whole town was reducced to ashes. 
This universal destruction, occasioned a loss of more 
than 300,000/. 

Ih the southern colonies of Carolina, the governors 
were expelled, and obliged to take refuge on board of 
men of war, as Lord Dunmore had been ; Mr. Martin, 
governor of North Coroiina, on a charge of attempting 
to raise the back settlers, consisting chiefly of Scots 
Highlanders, against the colony. 

Having secured themselves against any attempts from 
these enemies, however, the provincials proceeded to 
regulate their internal concerns in the same manner as 
the rest of the colonies ; and by the end of the year 
1775, Britian beheld the whole of America united against 
her in the most determined opposition. Her vast pos- 
sessions of that tract of land, since known by the name 
of the Thirteen United States, were now reduced to 
the single town of Boston ; in which her forces were be- 
Beiged by an e^iemy with whom they were apparently 



70 HISTORY OF THE 

not able to cope, and by whom they must of course ex- 
pect in a very short time to be expelled. 

The situation of the inhabitants of the town of Boston, 
indeed, was peculiarly unhappy. After having failed 
in their attempts to leave the town. Gen. Gage had con- 
sented to allow them to retire with their effects ; but 
afterwards, treacherously refused to fulfil his promise. 
When he resigned his place to Gen. Howe, in October 
1 775, the latter, apprehensive that they might give intel- 
ligence of the situation of the British troops, strictly pro- 
hibited any person from leaving the place under pain of 
military execution. Thus matters continued till the 
month of March, 1776, when the town was evacuated. 

On the 2d of that month. Gen. Washington opened 
a battery on the west side of the town, from whence it 
was bombarded, with a heavy fire of cannon at the same 
time ; and three days after, it was attacked by another 
battery from the eastern shore. This terrible attack 
continued for fourteen da3'S, without intermission ; when 
Gen. Howe, finding the place no longer tenable, deter- 
mined, if possible, to drive the enemy from their works. 

Preparations were therefore made for a most vigor- 
ous attack on a hill called Dorchester Neck, which the 
Americans had fortified in such a manner, as would in 
all probability have rendered the enterprize next to des- 
perate. No difficulties, however, were sufficient to 
daunt the spirit of the general ; and every thing was 
in readiness, when a sudden storm prevented an exer- 
tion which must have*been productive of a dreadful 
waste of blood. 

Next day, upon a more close inspection of the works 
they were to attack, it was thought advisable to desist 
from the enterprize altogether. The fortifications were 
very strong, and extremely well provided with artille- 
ry ; and, besides other implements of destruction, one 
hundred hogsheads of stones were provided to roll down 
upon the enemy as they came up ; which as the ascent 
was steep, must have done prodigious execution. 

Nothing therefore now remained but to think of a re- 
treat i and even this was attended with the utmost diff.'* 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 71 

Culty and danger. The Americans, however, knowing 
that it was in the power ol'the British general to reduce 
the town to ashes, which could not have been repaired 
in many years, did not think proper to give the least 
molestation ; and for the space of a fortnight the troops 
were employed in the evacuation of the place, from 
whence they carried along with them two thousand of 
the inhabitants, who durst not stay on account of their at- 
tachment to the British cause. 

From Boston they sailed to Halifax ; but all their 
vigilance could not prevent a number of valuable ships 
from falling into the hands of the Americans. A con- 
siderable quantity of crmnon and iimmunition had also 
been left at Bunker's Hill and Boston neck ; and in the 
town, an immense variety of goods, principally woollen 
and linen, of which the provincials stood very much in 
need. The estates of those who fled to Halifax were 
confiscated ; as also those who were attached to gov- 
ernment, and had remained in the town. 

As an attack was expected as soon as the British for- 
ces should arrive, every method was employed to ren- 
der the fortifications, already very strong, impregnable. 
For this purpose, some foreic;n engineers were em- 
ployed, who had before arrived at Boston ; and so ea- 
ger were the people of all ranks to accomplish this bu- 
siness, that every able-bodied man in the place, with- 
out distinction of rank, set apart two days in the week, 
to complete it the sooner. 

The Americans, exasperated to the utmost by the 
proceedings of parliament, which placed them out of 
the royal protection, and engaged foreign mercenaries 
in the plan for subduing them, now formally renounced 
all connection witli Britain, by declaring themselves in- 
dependent. This celebrated declaration was publish- 
ed to the world, by the American congress, on the 
memorable 4th of July, 177(3, as follows : 

" When, in the coiirse of human events, it becomes 
necessary for one people to dissolve the pofitical bands 
which have connected them with another, and to as- 
6iujie, among the powers of the eaith, the separate 



'Ti HlS-rORY OF tME 

and equal station to which the laws of nature and of 
nature's God entitle them ; a decent respect to tlie 
opinions of mankind, requires that they should de- 
clare the causes which impel them to the separation. 

"We hold these truths to be self-evident — ^that all 
men are created equal ; that they are endowed by 
their Creator with certain unalienable rights ; that 
among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of hap- 
piness ; that to secure these rights, governments are 
instituted among men, deriving their just powers from 
the consent of the governed ; that whenever any form 
of government becomes destructive of these ends, it 
is the right of the .people to alter or abolish it, and to 
institute a new government,' laying its foundation on 
such principles, and organizing its powers in such 
form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their 
safety .and happmess. 

" Prudence, indeed, will dictate, that governments^, 
long established, should not be changed for light and 
transient causes ; and accordingly, all experience has 
shown, that mankmd are more disposed to suffer, 
wliile evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by 
abolishing the forms to wliich they are accustomed. — 
Cut when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pur- 
suing invariably the same objects, evinces a design to 
reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, 
it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to 
provide new guards ior their future security. 

" Such has l»een the patient sufferance of these colo- 
■nies, and such is now the necessity which constrains 
them to alter their former system ot government. The 
history of the present king of Great Britain is a histo- 
ry of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in 
direct -object the establishment of an absolute tyranny 
aver these states. To -prove this, let facts be submitted 
to a candid world : 

*' Fie has refused hi« assent to laws the most whole- 
some and necessary for the public good. 

"He has forbidden his governors to, pass laws of 
immediate and prdssing importance, unless buspenued 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 73 

in their operation till his assent should be obtained ; 
and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to 
attend to them* 

" He has refused to pass otliei' laws for the accom- 
modation of large districts of }ieop]e, unless those peo- 
ple would relinquish the right of repjresentatlon in 
the legislature — a right inestimable to tLcm, and ibr- 
midable to tyrants only. 

" He has called together legislative bodies, at places 
unusual, uncomibrtable, and distant irom the deposiio- 
ry of their public records, for the sole purpose of la- 
tiguing them into compiiance with his measures. 

" He has dissolved representative houses repeated- 
ly, for opposing, with maniy hrnmess, his invasions on 
the rights of the people. 

" He has refused, ibr a long time after such dissolu- 
tions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the le- 
gislative p.owcrs, incapable of annibiialioi), have re- 
turned to the people at lar;j,e, for their exercise ; the 
state remainini>-, m the nieitn time, exposed to all the 
danger of invasion from without and convulsions wirh- 
in. 

" He has endeavored to prevent the population of 
these statt^s ; for ttat purpose obstruciing the laws for 
the fiaturaiizacion of ibreigners^ refusing to pass others 
to encourage tlieir emigration hither, and raising the 
condition ot new i.ppix>priation« oi lands. 

"He bus obsuacterl the adniimstration of justice, 
by refusing his assent to laws tor establishing judiciary 
powers. 

" He has made judges dependent on his v/ill alone 
for the ienui'e oi iheir offices and the amount and pay- 
ment of their sahuies* 

"' He has erected a mullitnde of new olf>ceS, and 
sent hither SAvarn;-'* of oji.ceis, to harrass oui people 
and eat out their sr.bstance. 

" He bus kept amcr.g us, in tiuios of peace, standing 
armies, without the consent of our legislatures. 

"•He has aifected lo render the imiilary independent 
of, and superior to, tiic evil povvor. 
7 



74 HISTORY OF THE 

" He has combined with others t6 subject us to a ju- 
risdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowl- 
edged by our laws ; giving his assent to their acts of 
pretended legislation — 

" For quartering large bodies of troops among us i 

*' For protecting them, by a mock trial, from pun- 
ishment lor any murders which they should commit on 
the inhcibitants of these states : 

*' For cutting off our trade with all parts of the 
world : 

" For imposing taxes on us without our consent : 

*' P^or depriving us, in many cases, of the benefit o£ 
trial by jury : 

"For transporting us beyond seas, to be tried for 
pretended offences : 

" For abolishing the free system of English laws in 
a neighboring province, establishing therein an arbi- 
trary government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as 
to render it at once an example and fit instrument for 
introducing the same absolute rule into these colonies ; 

" For taking away our charters, abolishing our most 
valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of 
our governments .: 

*' For suspending our legislatures, and declaring 
themselves invested with power to legislate for usr in 
all cases whatsoever. 

" He has abdicated government here, by declaring 
us out of his protection, and waging war against us. 

" He has ^piundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, 
burnt our tov/ns, and destroyed the lives of our peo- 
ple. 

" He is, at this time, transporting large armies of 
foreign mercenaries, to complete the work of death, 
desolation, and tyranny, already begun, with circum- 
stances of cruelty and perfidy, scarcely parallelled in 
the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the 
head of a civilized natiom 

" He has constrained our fellow citizens, taken c<^p- 
tive on the high seas, to bear arms against their couu- 



AMERICAN revolution! 75 

try, to become the executioners of their friends and 
brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands. 

" He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, 
and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our 
frontiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose known 
rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of 
all ages, sexes, and conditions. 

*' In every stageL of these, oppressions, we have pe- 
titioned for redress, in the most humble terms : our 
repeated petitions have been answered only by re- 
peated injury. A prince, whose character is thus 
marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is un- 
fit to be the ruler of a free people; 

" Nor have we been wanting in attention to our 
British brethren. We have warned them, from time 
to time, of attempts by their legislature, to extend an 
unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have re- 
minded them of our emij^ration and settlement here. 
We have appealed to their native justice and magna- 
nimity, and we have conjured them, by the ties of our 
common kindred, to disavow these usurpations, which 
would inevitably interrupt our connections and corres- 
pondence. 

*' They, too, have been deaf to the voice of justice 
and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce 
in the necessity which denounces our separation, 
and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind — ene- 
mies in war — in peace friends.. 

" We, therefore, the representatives of the United 
States of America, in general congress assembled, ap- 
pealing to tlie Supreme Judge of the world for the 
rectitude of our intentions, do, m the name and by the 
authority of the good people of these colonics, solemn- 
ly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, 
and of right ought to be, JPlTe UXOi Yinlitptnt^tnt 
^t^ttU ; that they are -^hsolved from all allegiance 
to the British crown ; and that all political connection 
between them jmd the state oi Great Britain, is, and 
ought to be, totcdly dissolved ; and that, as free and in- 
dependent states, they have full power to levy war. 



76 HISTORY OP THE 

conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, 
and to do all other acts and things^ which independent 
states may of ridit do. And for the support of this 
declaration, with a firoi reliance on the protection of 
Divine Providence, we nuvtiially pledge to each other 
our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.'* 

After thus publicly throwing off all allegiance and 
hope of reconciliation, the colonists soon found, that an 
exertion of all their strength was required in order to 
support their pretensions. Their arms, indeed, had 
not, this season,, been attended with success in Canada. 
Reinforcements had been prorni'jed to Col. Arnold, who 
still continued the blockade of %iebec ; but they did 
not arrive in time to second his operations. 

Being sensible, however, that he must either desist 
from the enterpriz^e, or finish it successfully, he recom- 
menciid in form-; attempting to burn the shipping, and 
even to storm the town itselC They ivere unsuccess- 
ful, ho^vever, by reason of the smaliness of their num- 
l>er, thou2;h tliey succeeded so far as to burn a number 
of houses in the suburbs ; and the garrison were oblig- 
ed to pull down the remainder, in order to prevent the 
lire from spreading. 

As the Americans, though unable to re«bice the town, 
].:ept the garrison in continual alarm, and in a very dis- 
agreable situation, some of the nobility collected them- 
gelves into a body ^ undey the commandof one Mr, Beau-s 
jeu, in order to relieve their capital ; but they v/ere 
met on their i.rircli by the Americans, and so entirely 
defeated, that they were never afterwards able to atv 
tempt any thing. 

The Americans, however, had but little reason to 
plume themselves on tliis success. The want of artil- 
lery at last convinced tlieni, tliat it was impracticable, 
in th.eir situation, to reduce a place so strongly fortiiied; 
the smalKpox at liie same time made its appearance in 
tb.eir camp, anAcarried off great numbers — intimidat- 
ing the rest t^'such a degree, that tiiey deserted in 
crowds. 

To add to their misfoi:tunes, the British reiiiforce= 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 77 

ments unexpectedly appeared, and the ships made their 
way through the ice with such celerity, that one part 
of their army was separated from the other ; and Gen. 
Carleton sallying out as soon as the reinforcement was 
landed, obliged them to fly with the utmost precipita- 
tion, leaving behind them all their cannon and military 
stores y at the same time that their shipping was entire- 
ly captured by vessels sent up the river for that pur- 
pose. On this occasion, the provincials fled with such 
precipitation that they could not be overtaken ; so that 
none fell into the hands of the British, except the sick 
and wounded. 

Gen. Carleton now gave a signal instance of his hu- 
manity. Being well apprized that many of the provin- 
cials had not been able to accompany the rest in their 
retreat, and that they were concealed in woods, &c. in 
a very deplorable situation, he generously issued a 
proclamation, ordering proper persons to seek them 
out, and give them relief at the public expense ; at 
the same time, lest, through fear oT being m?^de priso- 
ners, they should refuse these offers of humanity, he 
promised, that as soon as their situation enabled them, 
they should be at liberty to depart to their respectiv*- 
homes. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Affair at Sorel, and General Thompson taken prisoner. — Amer- 
icans retreat ffom Canada. — Success of the Americans in N. 
Carolina and Virsrinia. — Arrival of a British fleet at Charles- 
ton, S. C. —Battle on Sullivan's Island. 

X^HE British general, now freed from any danger of 
an attack, was soon enabled to act offensively against 
the Americans, by the arrival of the forces destined for 
that purpose from Britain. By these he was put at the 
head of twelve thousand regular troops, among whom 
were those of Brunswick. 

With this force, he instantly set out for Three 
7* 



)fc> 



8 HtSTORY OF THE 



Rivera, whore he expected that Arnold would make 2t 
standi; but lie liad retired to Sorel, one hundred and fif- 
ty miles distant from Qiiebec, where he was at last met 
by th,e reinforcements ordered by congress. 

Here, tijoagh the preceding events were by no means 
calculated to inspire much military ardor, a very dar- 
ing Ciitorprize was undertaken : and this was, to sur- 
prize the British troops posted here under GeneralsFra- 
ser and Nesbit ; of v/hom the former commanded those 
on land, and the latter such as were on board of trans- 
ports, and were b«t a little way distant. 

The enterprizo v/as undoubtedly very hazardous, 
both on account of the strength of the parties against 
nliom they were to act, and as the main- body of the 
British forces were advanced within fifty miles of the 
place ; besides that, a number of armed vessels and 
transports, with troops, lay between them and Three 
Rivers. 

Two thousand chosen men, however, under Gen. 
Thompson, engaged in this enterprize. Their success 
was by no means answerable to their spirit and valor. 
Thougli they passed the shipping without being observ- 
ed, Gen. Fraser had notice of their landing ; and thus 
being prep:ired to receive them, they were soon thrown 
into disorder, at the same time that Gen. Nesbit, hav- 
ing landed his forces, prepared to attai:k- them in the 
rear. 

On tliis occasion, some field-pieces did prodigious^ 
execution., and a retreat was found to be unavoidable. 
Gen. Nesbit, however, had got between them and their 
boats; so that they were obliged to take a circuit through 
a deep swamp, while they were hotly pursued by both 
parties at the same time,, who marched for some miles 
on eacli^side of the swamp, till at last the unfortunate 
Araericfms were sheltered from further d:mger by a 
v/ood at the end of the swamp. The general, howev- 
er, was taken, with two hundred of his men. 

By this disjLster, the Americans lost all hopes of ac- 
complish"j!;.v)ny thing in Canada. They demolished 
their works, and carried oiY their artillery, with the ut . 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 7^ 

most expedition. They were pursued, however, by 
Gen. Burgoyne, against whom it was expected they 
would have collected all their forces, and made a reso- 
lute stand. But they were now too much dispirited by 
misfortune, to make any f.irther exertions of valor. 

On the 18th of June, the British general arrived at 
fort St. John's, which he found abandoned and burnt, 
Chamblee had shared the same fate, as well as all the 
vessels that were not capable of being dragged up 
against the current of the river. It was thought 
they would have made some resistance at Nut Island, 
the entrance to Lake Champlain ; but this, also, they 
had abandoned, and retreated across the lake to Crown- 
Point, whither they could not be immediately followed. 

Thus was the province of Canada entirely evacuated 
by the Americans ; whose loss, in their retreat frona 
Quebec, was not calculated at less than one thousand 
men, of whom four hundred fell at once into the hands 
of the enemy, at a place called the Cedars, about fifty 
miles above Montreal, Gen. Sullivan, however, who 
conducted this retreat after the affair of Gen. Thomp- 
son, had great merit in what he did, and received the 
thanks of congress accordingly. 

This bad success in the north, however, was some- 
what compensated by what happened in the southern 
colonies. We have formerly taken notice, that Mr. 
Martin, governor of North-Carolina, had been obliged 
to leave his? province, and take refuge on board a man- 
of-war. Notwithstanding this, he did not despair of re- 
ducing it again to obedience. For this purpose, he ap- 
plied to the regulators, a daring set of banditti, who 
lived in a kind of independent state ; and though con- 
sidered by government a^ rebels, yet had never been 
molested, on account of their numbers, and known skill 
in the use of fire arms. 

Commissions were sent to the chiefs of these people, 
m order to raise some regiments ; and a Co). M'Don- 
ald was appointed to command them. In the month of 
February, he erected the king's standard, issued proc- 
lamations,, &c. and collected some forces,, expecting to- 



80 HISTORY OF THE 

be soon joined by a body of regulars, who were know^ii 
to have been shipped from England, to act against the 
southern colonies. 

The Am aricans, sensible of their danger, dispatched 
immedinte.lv what forces they had, to act againstlhe roy- 
alists, at the sane time that they exerted themselves 
to support these with suitable reinforcements. Their 
present force was commanded by a Gen. Moore, whose 
numbers were inferior to those of M'Donald; for which 
reason the latter summoned him to join the king's stan- 
dard, under pain of being treated as a rebel. 

But Moore, being well provided with cannon, and 
conscious that nothing could be attempted against him, 
returned the compliment, by acquainting Col. M'Don- 
aid, that if he and his party would lay down their arms, 
and subscribe an oath of fidelity to congress, they would 
be treated as friends ; but if they persisted in an un- 
dertaking, for which it was evident they had not suffi- 
cient strength, they could not but expect the severest 
treatment. 

In a few days, Gen. Moore found himself at the head 
of eight thousand men, by reason of the continual sup- 
plies which daily arrived from all parts. The royal 
party amounted only to two thousand, and they were 
destitute of artillery, which prevented their attacking 
the Americans while they had the advantage of num- 
bers. They were now, therefore, obliged to have re- 
course to a desperate exertion of personal valor; by 
dint of which, thev effected a retreat, for near eighty 
miles, to Moore*s Creek, within sixteen miles of Wil- 
mington. 

Could they, have gained this place, they expected to 
have been joined by Mr. Martin and Gen. Clinton, who 
had lately arrived with a considerable detachment.' — 
But Moore, with Ms army, pursued them so close, that 
they were obliged to attempt the passage of the creek 
itself, though a considerable body of the Americans, un- 
der the command of Col. Caswell, with fortifications 
well planted with cannon, was posted on the other side. 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 8l 

On attempting the creek, however, it was found not to 
be fofdable. 

They were obliged, therefore, to cross over a wood- 
en bridge, which the Americans had not time to destroy 
entirely. They had, however, by pulling up a part 
of the plank, and greasing the remainder, in order to 
render them slippery, made the passage so difficult, 
that the royalists could not attempt it. In this situa- 
tion they were, on the 27th of February, attacked by 
Moore, with his superior army, and totally defeated, 
with the loss of their general and most of their leaders, 
as well as the best and bravest of their men. 

Thus was the power of the Americans established in 
North-Carolina. Nor were they less successful in 
Virginia, where Lord Dunmore, having long continued 
an useless predatory war, was at last driven from eve- 
ry creek and road in the province. The people he 
had on board, were distressed to the highest degree, 
by confinement in small vessels. The heat of the sea- 
son, and the numbers crowded together, produced a 
pestilential fever, which made great havoc, especially 
among the blacks. 

At last, finding themselves in the utmost danger of 
perishing by famine, as well as disease, they set fire to 
the least valuable of their vessels, reserving only about 
fifty to themselves, in which they bid a final adieu to 
Virginia — some sailing to Florida, some to Bermuda, 
and the rest to the West-Indies. 

In South-Carolina, the Americans had a more formi- 
dable enemy to deal with, A squadron, whose object 
was the reduction of Charleston, had been fitted out in 
December, 1775 ; but by reason of unfivorable weath- 
er, did not reach Cape Fear, in North-Carolina, till the 
month of May, 1776 ; and here it met with further oh- 
stacles, till the end of the month. Thus the Americans, 
always noted for theit^ alertness in raising fortifications, 
had time to strengthen those of Charleston in such a 
manner, as rendered the place extremely difficult to be 
attacked. 

The British squadron consisted of two fifty gun ships^ 



82 HISTORY OF THE 

ibur of thirty guns, two of twenty, an armed schooner^ 
and a bomb -ketch ; all under the command of Sir Pe- 
ter Parker. The land forces were consmanded by Lord 
Cornwallis, with Generals Clinton and Vaughan. As 
they had yet no intelligence of the evacuation of Bos- 
ton, Gen. Howe dispatched a vessel to Cape Fear, with 
iome instructions — but it was too late ; and in the be- 
ginning of June, the squadron anchored off Charleston 
bar. Here they met with some difficulty in crossing, 
being obliged to take out the guns from the Uvo largest 
ships, which were, notwithstanding, several times ia 
danger of sticking fast. 

The next obstacle was a strong fort on SulHvan's Isl- 
and, six miles east from Charleston, which, though not 
completely finished, was very strong. However, the 
British generals resolved, without hesitation, to attack 
it ; but though an attack was easy from sea, it was very 
difficult to obtain a co-operation of the land forces. — 
This was attempted by landing them on Long Island, 
adjacent to Sullivan's Island on the east, from which it 
ig separated by a very narrow creek, said to be not 
above two, feet deep at low water. 

Opposite to this ford, the Americans had posted a 
strong body of troops, with cannon and entrenchments, 
while Gen. Lee was posted on the main land, with a 
bridge of boats betwixt that and Sullivan's Island, so 
that he could at pleasure send reinforcements to the 
troops in the fort on Sullivan's Island. 

On the part of the British, so many delays occurred, 
that it was the 24th of June before matters were in 
readiness for an attack ; and by this time, the Ameri- 
cans had abundantly provided for their reception. On 
the morning of that day, the bomb-ketch began to throw 
ghells into Fort Sullivan, and about mid-day, the twO 
fifty gun ships, and thirty gun frigates, came up, and 
"began a severe fire. 

Three other fngates were ordered to take their sta- 
tion between Charleston and the fort, in order to en- 
filade the batteries, and cut off the communication with 
the main land ; but^ through the ignorance of the pi- 



AMtlRlCAN REYOLUTlOK. ^3^ 

lots, they all stuck fast ; and though two of them were 
disentangled, they were found to be totally unfit for ser* 
vice. The third was burnt, that she might not fall in- 
to the hands of the Americans. 

The attack was therefore confined to the five armed 
ships and bomb-ketch, between whom and the fort a 
dreadful fire ensued. The Bristol suffered excessive- 
ly : the springs on her cable being shot away, she was 
forsome time entirely exposed to the enemy's fire. As 
the Americans pourea in great quantities of red hot 
halls, she was twice in flames. Her captain, Mr. Mor- 
ris, after receiving five wounds, was obliged to go be- 
low deck, in order to have his arm amputated. After 
undergoing this operation, he returned to his place, 
where he received another wound, but still refused to 
quit his station. At last, he received a red hot ball itt 
his belly, which instantly put an end to his life. 

Of all the officers and seamen who stood on the quar- 
ter-deck of the Bristol, not one escaped without a 
wound, excepting Sir Peter Parker alone ; whose in- 
trepidity and presence of mind on this occasion, were 
very remarkable. The engagement lasted till dark- 
ness put an end to it. Little damage was done by the 
British, as the works-of the Americans lay »o low, that 
many of the shot flew over ; and the fortifications, be- 
ing composed of palm trees mixed with earth, were ex- 
tremely well ci^lculated to resist the impression of can- 
non. 
r During the height of the attack, the American bat- 
\ teries remained for some time silent, so that it was con- 
cluded that they had been abandoned ; but this was 
found to proceed only from want of powder ; for as 
soon as a supply of this necessary article was obtained, 
tlie firing was resumed as brisk as before. During the 
'whole of this desperate engagement, it was found im- 
possible for the liuid forces to give the least assistance 
to the fleet ; the Am,erican works were found to be 
:' much stronger than they had been imagined, and the 
1 depth of water eifectually prevented them from making 
any attempt. 



84 HISTORY OF THE 

In this unsuccessful attack, the killed and wounded 
on the part of the British, amounted to about two hun- 
dred. The Bristol and Experinent were so much dam- 
aged, that it was thought they could not have been got 
over the bar ; however, this v. as at last accomplished, 
by a very great exertion of n.^val skill, to the surprize 
of the Americans, who had expected to make them both 
prizes. On the American side, the loss was judged to 
have been considerable. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Com. Hopkins sails to the Bahama Islands, and take'' the ord- 
nance and military stores. — Lord Howe arrives befoie New- 
York with a British fleet.- — Gen. F owe attempts a reconcilia- 
tion. — Americans defeated near f jntb'-h, L. 1. — Retreat from 
Long Island. — Gen, Sullivan sent en an uuguccessful mission 
to congress. — British gain possession of JSev. -"i ork. 

This year, the Ameticans, having so frequently 
made trial of their vaki by lauu, became desirous of 
trying it T)n sea also, pnd ol ioni ii.g a nav} , tbtt night 
in some nicasure ' v able to protect their trade, and do 
essential 1 vnt ♦* the ev^-n y» 

In the bej.h -ling of March, Commodore Hopkins was 
dispatchcfi vita five irigates to the Bahcin;a Isl< nd^, 
where he r i '.e hinsseif r;aster oi the ordn. nee and nil- 
itary slr;r s ; but the gun-powder, which had been the 
principju oi.ject, was ren-oved. C n his rettrn, he cap- 
tured several vessels ; but was foiled in his atten pt on 
_the Gr.jgow frigate^ which found means to escape, not- 
v;,.i ■ lading the efiorts ot his whoie squadron. 

i.e time, however, was now come, when tl e forti- 
tude and patience of the Americans were to unciergo a 
sev^ie trial. Hitherto they bad been on the wlsole 
successful in their operations ; but now, they were 
doo-.ed to experience misfortune, m.isery, and disap- 
poiiiiment ; the enemy overrunning their country, and 
ths"'^ own armies not able to face them m the field. 

New- York, as being the most accessible by sea, was 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 85 

pitched upon for the place of the main attack. The 
force sent against it consisted of six ships of the hne 
and thirty frigates, besides other armed vessels, and a 
vast number of transports. The fleet was commanded 
by Lord Howe, and the land forces by his brother. 
General Howe. The latter had, some time before his 
lordship arrived, set sail from Halifax, and lay before 
New-York, but without attempting to commence hos- 
tilities until he should be joined by the fleet. 

The Americans had, in the mean time, fortified New- 
York, and the adjacent islands, in an extraordinary 
manner. Gen. Howe, liowever, was suffered to land 
his troops on Staten Island, v/here he was soon joined 
by a number of the inliabitants. 

About the middle of July Lord Howe arrived with 
the grand armament ; and, being one of the commis- 
sioners appointed by the British government to receive 
the submission of the Americans, he seUt circular let- 
ters to the several governors, desiring them to make 
the extent of his commission, and the powers he was 
invested with, as public as possible. 

Here, however, congi'ess saved him trouble, by or- 
dering his letter and declaration to be published in all 
the newspapers — " that every one might see the in- 
sidiousness of the British ministry, and that they had 
nothing to trust to but the exertion of their own valor." 

Lord Howe next sent a letter to Gen. Washington ; 
but as it was directed to " George Washington, Esq.'* 
the general refused to accept of it, as not being direct- 
ed in a style suitable to his station. To obviate this 
objection, Acljutant-general Patterson was sent with 
another letter, directed to "• George Washington, &.c. 
Ilc. &.C." But though a very polite reception was 
given to the bearer. Gen. Washington utterly refused 
the letter ; nor could any explanation of the adjutant 
induce him to accept of it. 

The only interesting part of the conversation was 
that relating to the powers of the commissioners, of 
whom Lord Howe was one. The adjutant informed 
Gen. Washington that these powers were very exten- 



^b HISTORY OF THE 

sive ; that these commissioners were determined to 
exert themselves to the utmost in order to bring about 
a reconciliation, and that he hoped the general would 
consider this visit as a step towards it. Gen. Wash- 
ington replied, that it did not appear that these pow- 
ers consisted in any thing else than granting pardons ; 
and as America had committed no ofi'ence, she asked no 
forgiveness, and was only defending her unquestiona- 
ble rights. 

The decision of every thing being nov/ by consent 
of both parties left to the sw ord, no time was lost, but 
hostilities commenced as soon as the British troops 
could be collected. However, this was not done be- 
fore the month of August, when they landed withojat 
opposition on Long Island, opposite to the shore of 
Staten Island. 

Gen. Putnam, with a large body of men, lay encamp- 
ed and strongly fortiiied, on a peninsula on the oppo- 
site shore, with a range of hills between the armies, 
the principal pass of which was near a place called 
Flatbush. Here the centre of the British army, con- 
sisting of Hessians, took post ; the left wing, under 
Gen. Grant, lying near the shore ; and the right, con- 
sisting of the greater part of the British forces, lay un- 
der Lords Percy and Cornwaliis, and Gen. Chnton. 

Putnam had ordered the passes to be secured by 
large detachments, which was executed as to those at 
hand ; but one of the utmost importance, that lay at a 
distance, was entirely neglected. This gave an oppor- 
tunity to a large body of troops, under Percy and Clin- 
ton, to pass the mountains, and attack the Americans ia 
the rear, while they were engaged with the Hessians 
in front. Through this piece of negligence, their de- 
feat became inevitable. 

Those who were engaged with the Hessians first 
perceived their mistake, and began a retreat towards 
their camp ; but the passage was intercepted by the 
British troops, who drove them back into the woods. 
Here U.ey were met by the Hessians ; and thus they 
were for many hours slaughtered between the two pai - 



Mik 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 87 

ties, no way of escape remaining, but by breaking- 
tbrough the British troops, and thus regaining their 
camp. In this attempt, many perished ; and the right 
wing, engaged with Gen. Grant, shared the same fate. 

The victory was complete ; and the Americans lost, 
on this fatal day, (August 27th,) considerably upwards 
of one thousand men, and two generals. Several offi- 
cers of distinction were made prisoners, with a number 
of privates. Among the slain, a regiment consisting oi 
young gentlemen of family and fortune in Maryland, 
were almost entirely cut in pieces ; and of the survi- 
vors, not one escaped without a wound. 

The ardor of the British troops was now so great, 
that they could scarce be restrained from attacking the 
lines of the Americans ; but for this there was now no 
occasion, as it was certain they could not be defended. 
Of the British and Hessians, about four hundred and 
fifty were lost in this eng.igement. 

As none of the American commanders thought prop- 
er to risk another attack, it was resolved to abandon 
their camp as soon as possible. Accordingly, on the 
night of the 29th of August, the whole of the continent- 
al troops were ferried over with the utmost secresy 
and silence ; so that in the morning, the British had 
nothing to do but to take possession of the camp and 
artillery which they had abandoned. 

This victory, though complete, was very far from 
being so decisive as the conquerors imagined. Lord 
Howe, supposing that it would be sufficient to intimi- 
date the congress into some tenns, sent Gen. Sullivan, 
who had been taken prisoner in the late action, to con- 
gress, with a mes3:ij^e, importing, that though he could 
not consistently treat with them as a legal assembly, 
yet he would be very glad to confer with any of the 
members in their private capacity ; setting forth, at 
the same time, the nature and extent of his powers as 
commissioner. 

But the congress were not so humbled as to derogate 
in the least from the dignity of character they had as- 
sumed. They replied, that the congress of the free- 



SB HISTORY OF THE 

and independent states of America could not consistent- 
ly send any of its members in another capacity thau 
ttiat which they had puhhcly assumed ; but, as they 
were extremely desirous of restoring peace to their 
country, upon equitable conditions, they would appoint 
a committee of their body, to wait upon him, and learn 
what proposals he had to make. 

This produced a new conference. The committee 
appointed by congress, was composed of Dr. Franklin, 
Mr. Adams, and Mr. Rutledge. They were very po- 
litely received by his lordship ; but the conference 
proved as fruitless as before independence had been 
declared ; and the final answer of the deputies was, 
that they were extremely willing to enter into any 
treaty with Great Britain, that might conduce to the 
good of both nations, but that they would not treat in 
any other character than that of independent states. — 
This positive declaration instantly put an end to all hopes 
of reconciliation ; and it was resolved to prosecute the 
war with the utmost vigor. 

Lord Howe, after publishing a manifesto, in which 
he declared the refusal of congress, and that he him- 
self was willing to confer with all well disposed persons 
about the means of restoring public tranquility, set 
about the most proper methods for reducing the city 
of New-York. Here the American troops were post- 
ed, and, from a great number of batteries, kept con- 
tinually annoying the British shipping. 

The East River lay between them, of about twelve 
hundred yards in breadth, which the British troops 
were extremely desirous of passing. At last, the ships 
having, after an incessant cannonade of several days, 
silenced the most troubles.ome batteries, a body of the 
troops was sent up the river, to a bay about three miles 
distant, where the fortifications were less than in other 
places.. 

Here, having driven off the Americans by the can- 
non of the fleet, they marched directly towards the 
city ; but the Americans, finding that they should now 
be attacked on all sides, abandoned the city, and retired 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 89 

to the north of the island, where their principal force 
was collected. In their passage thither, they skirmish- 
ed with the British, but carefully avoided a general en- 
gagemest ; and it was observed that they did not be- 
have with that ardor and impetuous valor which had 
hitherto marked their character. 



CHAPTER XV. 

Great fire in New-York. — Battle at White Plains. — Forts in the 
neighborhood of New-York reduced by the British. — New- 
Jersey taken possession of by the British. — Sir Plenry Clinton 
reduces Rhode-Island. — British fit a fleet on Lake Cham plain, 
—Battle on the Lake. 

The British and American armies were how not above 
two miles distant from each other. The former lay en- 
camped from shore to shore, for an extent of two miles, 
being the breadth of the island. The Americans, who 
lay directly opposite, had strengthened their camp with 
many fortifications ; at the same time being masters of 
all the passes and defiles betwixt the two camps, they 
were enabled to defend themselves against an army 
much more numerous than their own ; and they had 
also strongly fortified a pass called King's Bridge, 
whence they could secure a passage to the continent in 
case of any misfortune. 

Here Gen. Washington, in order to inure his army 
to actual service, and at the same time to annoy the en- 
emy as much as possible, employed his troops in con- 
tinual skirmishes ; by which it was observed that they 
soon recovered their spirits, and behaved with their 
usual boldness. 

As the situation of the two armies was now highly in- 
convenient for the British generals, it was resolved to 
make such movements as might oblige Gen. Washings 
ton to relinquish his strong situation. The possession 
of NeW'York had been less beneficial than was expect- 
ed. A few days after it was evacuated by the Ameri- 
cans, a dreadful fire broke out, occasioned, probably, 
8* 



90 HIStOKY OF THE 

by the liceiitioTis conduct of some of its new masters ^ 
and, had it not been for tJie active exertions of th? 
sailors and soldiery, the whole town might have been 
consumed, the wind being high, and the weather re- 
markably dry. About one thousand houses were des- 
troyed. 

Gen. Howe, having left Lord Percy with a sufficient 
force to garrison New-York, embarked his army in flat 
bottomed boats, by which they were conveyed through 
the dangerous passage called Hell-Gate, and landed 
oear tlie town of West-Chester, lying on the continent 
towards Connecticut. Here, having received a supply 
<5f men and provisions, they moved to New-Rochelle, 
situated on the sound which separates Long Island from 
the continent. 

After this, receiving still fresh reinforcements, they 
in ide such movements as threatened to distress the 
Americans very much;, by cutting off their convoys of 
provisions^from Connecticut, and thus force them to an 
en2;ageraent. This, however, Gen. Washington deter- 
Runed at all events to avoid. He therefore extended 
i is forces into a long line, opposite to the way in which 
ihe enemy marched^ keeping the Br una, a river of con- 
siderable magnitude, between the two armies, with the 
North River on his rear. 

Here, again, the Americans continued for some time 
(o annoy and skirmish with the royal army, until at last, 
by some other manouvres, the British general found 
^;:e:iris to attack them advantageously, at a place called 
i'le White Plains, and drove them from some of their 
j'osts. The siscceas on this occasion was much less 
complete than the former; however, it obliged the 
Americans once more to shift their ground, and to re- 
treat farther up the country. 

Gen. Howe pursued for some time ; but at last, find- 
ing all his endeavors vuin, to bring the Americans to a 
pitched battle, he determined to give over such an use- 
less chace, and employ himself in reducing the forts 
which the AmericaRS still retained m the Beighberhood 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ^1 

of New- York. In this, he met with the most com- 
plete success. 

The Americans, on the approach of the British for- 
ces, retreated from King's Bridge to Fort Washington ; 
and this, as well as Fort Lee, which lay in the neigh- 
borhood, was quickly reduced, though the garrisons 
made their escape. Thus the Jerseys wc-^e laid en- 
tirely open to the incursions of the British troops ; and 
So fully were these provinces taken possession of by 
the royal army, that its winter quarters extended fron? 
New-Bruaswick to the river Delaware. Had any 
number of boats been at hand, it was thought Philadel- 
phia would now have fallen into their hands. All these, 
however, had been carefully removed by the Ameri- 

In lieu of this enterprize, Sir Henry CHnton under- 
took an expedition to Rhode-Island, and became master 
©f it, without losing a man. His expedition was also 
attended with this further advantage, that the American 
fleet, under Com. Hopkins, was obliged to sail as far 
as possible up th6 river Providence, and thus remain- 
ed entirely useless. 

The same ill success continued to attend the Ameri» 
cans in other parts. After their expulsion from Cana- 
da, they had crossed Lake Champlain, and taken up 
their quarters at Crown-Point, as we have already 
mentioned. Here they remained for some time in safe- 
vy, as the British had no vessels on the lake, and con- 
sequently Gen. Burgoyne cor.ld not pursue them. 

To remedy this deficiency, there was no possible 
method, but either to construct vessels on the spot, or 
take to pieces some vessels already constructed, and 
drag them up the river into the lake. This, however, 
was effected in no longer a period than three months ; 
and the British general, after incredible toil and difli- 
culty^ saw himself in possession of a great number of 
vessels, by which means he was enabled to pursue his 
enemies, and invade them in his turn. 

The labor undergone at tliis time, by the sea and 
lind forces, must indeed Ivvve been prodigious ; since 



02 HISTORY 6F THE 

there were conveyed over land, and dragged up tii€ 
rapids of the Sorel, no fewer than thirty large long- 
boats, four hundred batteaux, besides a vast number of 
flat bottomed boats, and a gondola of thirty tons. 

The intent of the expedition was to push forward, 
before winter, to Albany, where the army would take 
up its winter quarters, and the next spring effect a 
junction with that "under Gen. Howe, when it was not 
doubted that the united force and skill of these two 
commanders would speedily put a termination to the 
war. 

By reason of the difficulties with which the equip- 
ment of this fleet had been attended, it was the begin- 
ning of October before the expedition could be under- 
taken. It was, however-, by every judge, allowed to 
be completely able to answer every purpose for which 
it was intended. It consisted of one large vessel with 
three masts, carrying eighteen twelve-pounders ; two 
schooners, the one carrying fourteen, the other twelve 
six-pounders ; a large fiat bottomed radeau, with six 
twenty-four, and six twelve-pounders ; and a gondola 
with eight nine-pounders. 

Besides these, there were twenty vessels of a small- 
er size, called gun-boats, carrying each a piece of brass 
ordnance from nine to twenty-four-pounders, or how- 
itzers. Several long-boats were fitted out in the same 
manner ; and besides all these, there was a vast num- 
ber of boats and tenders of various sizes, to be used as 
transports for the troops and baggage. It was manned 
by a number of select seamen, and the guns were to be 
served by a detachment from the corps of artillery ; the 
©fficers and soldiers appointed for this expedition were 
also chosen out of the whole army. 

To oppose this formidable armament, the Americans 
kad only a very inconsiderable force, commanded by 
Gen. Arnold ; who, after engaging apart of the British 
fleet for a whole day, took advantage of the darkness of 
the night to set sail without being perceived, and next 
fnorniag we« ©«it of sight. But he was so hotly pursu- 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 93^ 

ed by the British, that on the second day after, he was 
overtaken, and forced to a second engagement. 

In this, he behaved with great gallantry ; but his 
force being very inferior to that of the enemy, he was 
obliged to run his ships on shore, and set them on fire. 
A few only escaped to Lake George ; and the garrison 
of Crown-Point, having destroyed and carried off every 
thing of value, retired to Ticonderoga. Thither Gen. 
Carleton intended to have pursued them ; but the dif- 
ficulties he had to encounter, appeared so many and so 
great, that it was thought proper to march back into 
Canada, and desist from any further operations till the 
next spring. 



CHAPTER XVL 

I^eerease of the American army. — Gen. Lee taken prisoner. — 
British defeated at Trenton, and the tide of war turned in fa- 
vor of America. — Retreat of the Americans from Trenton. — 
Party of British defeated at Princeton. — Fall of Gen. Mercer. 
— Danbury, Conn, burnt. — Gen. Wooster killed. — Sa^-Har- 
bor taken by the Americans. — British Gen. Prescot taken pris-s 
oner. — Battle at Brandywine creek. — Marquis de la Fayette 
wounded. 

X HUS the affairs of the Americans seemed every 
where going to wreck. Even those who had been most 
sanguine in their cause, began to waver. The time^ 
also, for which the soldiers had enlisted themselves^ 
was now expired ; and the bad success of the preced- 
ing campaign had been so very discouraging, that n« 
person was willing to engage himself during the contin- 
uance of a war, of which the event seemed to be so 
doubtful. 

In consequence of this, therefore, Gen. WashingtOM 
found his army daily decreasing in strength ; so that, 
from thirty thousand men, of which it consisted when 
Gen. Howe landed on Staten Island, scarce a tenth part 
could now be mustered. 

T© assist the commander-in-ehief as much as possi- 



94 HISTORY OF THE 

fele, Gen. Lee had collected a body of forces in the 
north ; but on his way southward, having imprudently 
taken up his lodging at some distance from his troops, 
information was given to Col. Harcourt, who happened 
at that time to be in the neighborhood, and Lee was 
made prisoner. 

The loss of this general was much regretted, and the 
more especially as he was of superior quality to any 
prisoner in the possession of the Americans, and could 
not therefore be exchanged. Six field officers were of- 
fered in exchange for him, and refused ; ^and the con- 
gress was highly irritated at its being reported, that he 
was to be treated as a deserter — having been a half-pay 
officer in the British service, at the commencement of 
the war. 

In consequence of this, congress issued a proclama- 
tion, threatening to retaliate on the prisoners in their 
possession, whatever punishment should be inflicted on 
any of those taken by the British ; and especially, that 
their conduct should be regulated by the treatment of 
<jen. Lee. 

In the mean time, they proceeded with the most in- 
defatigable diligence to recruit their army, and bound 
their soldiers to serve for a term of three years, or 
during the continuance of the war. The army design- 
ed for the ensuing campaign, was to consist of eighty- 
eight battalions ; of which each state was to contribute 
its quota ; and twenty dollars were offered as a bounty 
to each soldier, besides an allotment of lands at the end 
of the war. 

In this allotment, it was stipulated, that each soldier 
should have one hundred acres ; an ensign one hundred 
and fifty ; a lieutenant two hundred ; a captain three 
hundred ; a major four hundred ; a lieutenant-colonel 
four hundred and fifty ; and a colonel five hundred. — 
No lands were promised to those who enlisted for only 
three years. All officers or soldiers disabled through 
wounds received in the service, were to enjoy half pay 
during life. To defray the expense, congress borrow- 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 95 

ed five millions of dollp,rs, at five per cent., for the pay- 
ment of which, the United States became surety. 

At the same time, in order to animate the people to 
Tigorous exertions, a declaration was pubhshed, in 
which they set forth the necessity there was for taking 
proper methods to insure success in their cause. They 
endeavored to palliate, as much as possible, the misfor- 
tunes w hich had cdready happened ; and represented 
the true cause of the present distress to be the short 
term of enlistment. 

This declaration, together with the imminent danger 
©f Philadelphia, determined the Americans to exert 
themselves to the utmost, in order to reinforce Gen. 
Washington's army. They soon received farther en- 
couragement, however, by an exploit of that general 
against the Hessians. 

As the royal army extended in diiferent cantonments 
for a great way, Gen. Washington, perceiving the im- 
minent danger to which Philadelphia was exposed, re- 
solved to make some attempt on those divisions of the 
enemy which lay nearest that city. These happened 
to be the Hessians, who lay in three divisions, the last 
•nly twenty miles distant from Philadelphia. 

On the 25th of December, having collected as con- 
siderable a force as he could, he set out with an intent 
to surprize that body of the enemy which lay encamp- 
ed at Trenton. His army was divided into three bodies; 
one of which he ordered to cross the Delaware at 
Trenton ferry, a little below the town ; the second at a 
good distance below, at a place called Bordentown, 
where the second division of Hessians was placed ; 
while he himself, with the third, directed his course t® 
a ferry some miles above Trenton, intending to have 
passed it at midnight, and attack the Hessians at break 
of day. But, by reason of various impediments, it was 
eight in the morning before he could reach the place 
of his destination. 

The enemy, however, did not perceive his approach^ 
till they were suddenly attacked. Col. Ralle, wh« 
Cf nimanded them, did all that could be expected from. 



§6 



SlISTORy OF THE 




fi3 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 97 

d brave and experienced officer ; but every thing was 
in such confusion, that no efforts of vaior or skill could 
how retrieve matters. Tlie colonel himself was mor- 
tafly wounded ; his troops were entirely broken, their 
artillery seized, and about one thousand taken prison- 
ers. After this gallant exploit, Gen. Washington again 
returned into Pennsylvania. 

This action, though seemingly of no very decisive- 
nature, was sufficient at that time to turn the fcriune of 
war in favor of America. It tended greatly to lessen 
the apprehensions which the Americans had of the 
Hessians, at the same time that it equally abated the 
confidence which the British had till now put in them. 

Reinforcements came in from several quarters to 
Oen. Washington, so that he was soon in a condition 
once more to pass the Delaware, and take up his quar- 
ters at Trenton, where he was emboldened to maintain 
his station, notwithstanding the accounts that were re- 
ceived of the enemy's rapid advance towards him.—^ 
Lord Cornwallis accordingly made his appearance in 
full force ; and on the evening of his arrival, the little 
town of Trenton Contained the two hostile armieSj sep- 
arated only by a small creek, which was fbrdable in 
many places. 

This was, indeed, the crisis of the American revolu- 
tion ; and had his lordship made an immediate attack, 
in pursuance of what is reported to have been the ad- 
vice of Sir William Erskine, Gen. Washington's defeat 
seems to have been inevitable. — But a night's delay 
turned the fate of the war, and produced an enterprize, 
the magnitude and glory of which, can only be equalled 
by its success. ■■ 

Gen. Washington, having called a council of war, 
stated the calamitous situation to which his army was 
reduced ; and having heard the various opinions of his 
officers, finally proposed a circuitous march to Prince- 
ton, as the means of avoi^ling, at once, the imputation 
of a retreat, and the danger of^ battle, with numbers so 
inferior, and in a situation so ineligible. The idea was 
unanimously approved ; and, as soon as it was daik, 
9 



98 HISTORY OF THE 

the necessary measures were taken for accGmplisbing 
it. 

A line of fires was kindled, which served to give light 
to the Americans, while it obscured them from the ob- 
servation of the enemy ; and, by a providential interpo- 
sition, the weather, which had been for some time past 
n^arm, moist, and foggy, suddenly changed to a hard 
froat ; and, in a moment, as it were, rendered the road, 
which had been deep and heavy, firm and smooth as a 
pavement. 

At break of day, Gen. Washington arriving near 
Princeton, was discovered by a party of British troops, 
consisting of three regiments, under the command of 
Col. Mawhood, who were on their march to Trenton. 
With these the centre of the Americans engaged, and 
after killing sixty, wounding many, and taking three 
hundred prisoners, obliged the rest to make a precipi- 
tate escape, some towards Trenton, and others in a re- 
trograde route to New-Brunswick. The loss of the 
Americans was inconsiderable in point of numbers ; 
bat the fall of the amiable Gen. Mercer, rendered it im- 
portant. 

The British, astonished and discouraged at the suc- 
cess and spirit of these repeated enterprizes, abandon- 
ing both Trenton and Princeton, retreated to New- 
Brunswick ; while the triumphant Americans retired 
to Morristown. Gen. Washington, however, omitted 
no opportunity of recovering what had been lost ; and 
by dividing his army into small parties, which could be 
re-united on a few hours warning, he in a manner en- 
tirely covered the country with it, and re-possessed 
himself of all the important places. 

Thus ended the campaign of 1776, with scarce a^y 
oiher renl advantages to the British, than the acquisi- 
tion of the city of New-York, and of a few fortresses 
in its neighborhood ; where the troops were constrain- 
ed to act with as much circumspection as if they had 
been besiei^ed by a victorious army, instead of being 
themselves the conquerors. 

The army at New- York began in 1777 to exercise a 



AIVIERICAN REVOLUTION. 99 

kind of predatory war, by sending out parties to destroy 
magazines, make incursions, and take or destroy such 
forts as lay on the banks of rivers, to which their great 
command of shipping gave them access. In this they 
were generally successful : the magazines at Peek's 
Kill, (a place about fifty miles distant from New-York,) 
were destroyed, the town of Danbury, in Connecticut, 
burnt, and that of Ridgefield, in the same state, vvcrs 
taken possession of. 

In returning from the last expedition, however, the 
British were gi-eatly harrassed by the Americans under 
Generals Arnold^ Wooster, and Sullivan ; but they 
made good their retreat, in spite of all opposition, with 
the loss of only one hundred and seventy killed and 
wounded. On the American side, the loss was much 
greater ; Gen. Wooster was killed, and Arnold in the 
most imminent danger. On the other hand, the Amer- 
icans destroyed the stores at Sag-Harbor, on Long Isl- 
and, and made prisoners of all who defended the place. 
As this method of making war, however, could an- 
swer but little purpose, and savored more of Ihe barba- 
rous incursions of savages, than of a war carried on by 
a civilized people, it was resolved to make an attempt 
on Philadelphia. At first, it was thought that this could 
be done through New-Jersey ; but the cruelties exer- 
cised by the British plundering parties had excited so 
general an abhorrence, and Gen. Washington had re- 
ceived such large reinforcements, and posted himself so 
strongly, that it was found to be impracticable. Many 
stratagems were used to draw him from his strong situ- 
ation, but without success ; so that it was found neces- 
sary to make the attempt on Philadelphia by sea. 

While the prepanitions necessary for this expedition 
were goins: forward, the Americans found meanf to 
make amends for the capture of Gen. Lee, b}^ that of 
Gen. Prescot, who was seized in his quarters, with his 
aid-de-camp, in much the same manner as Gen. Lee had 
been. This was exceedingly mortifying to the general 
himself, as he had not long before set a price upon Gen. 
Araoldj, by offering a sum of money to any one that ap- 



100 HISTORY OF THE 

prehended him ; which the latter answered, bj^ setting 
a lower price upon Gen. Prescot. 

'I^he month of July was far adi^anced before the 
preparations for the expedition against Philadelphia 
were completed ; and it was the 23d before the fleet 
was able to sail from Sandy Hook. The force em- 
ployed in this expedition consisted of thirty-six battaU 
ions of British and Hessians, a regiment of light horse, 
and a bod}'' of royalists raised at New-York. The re- 
mainder of these, with seventeen battalions, and ano^ 
ther body of light-horse, were stationed at New-York, 
under Sir Henry Clinton. Seven battalions were also 
stationed at Rhode-Island. 

After a week's sailing the expedition arrived at the 
mouth of the Delaware ; but having there received 
certain intelligence that the navigation of the river was 
so eifectually obstructed that no possibility of forcing 
a passage remained, and that Gen. Washington had 
marched within a short distance of Philadelphia, it 
was resolved to proceed as far to the south as Chesa- 
peake Bay, in Maryland, from whence the distance to 
Philadelphia was not very great, and where the Amer- 
ican army would find less advantage from the nature of 
the country than in the Jersej^s. 

The navigation from the Delaware to the Chesa- 
peake took up the best part of the month of August, 
and that up the bay itself was extremely difficult and 
tedious. At last, having sailed up the river Elk as far 
as was practicable, the troops were landed without op- 
position, and set forward oh their intended expedition. 

On receiving news of the arrival of the enemy in 
the Chesapeake, Gen, Washington left New- Jersey and 
hastened to the relief of Philadelphia ; and in the be- 
ginning of September he met the royal army at Bran- 
dywine Creek, about mid-day, between the head of 
the Elk and Philadelphia, Here he adhered to his 
former method of skirmishing and harassing the royal 
army on its march ; but as this proved insufficient to 
stop its progress, he retired to that side of the creek 



AMETtllCAJJ' RfiVOLUtlON. 1 1 

Qext to Philadelphia, with an intent to dispute the pas- 
sage. 

This brought on a general engagement, which took 
place on the 11th of September, in which the Ameri= 
cans were worsted ; and it was, perhaps, only by the 
approach of night, that they were saved from being en- 
tirely destroyed. On this occasion the Americans lost 
about one thousand men in killed and wounded, be- 
sides four hundred taken prisoners. 

Here the celebrated Marquis de la Fayette first bled 
in the cause of liberty, which he had espoused with 
enthusiastic ardor; This brave and generous French 
nobleman, who had left his family and native land, in 
spite of the prohibition of his own government, and 
the prospect of a forfeiture of his title and estates, and 
had entered the American army, as a volunteer, with- 
out compensation, received from congress, in June, 
1777, (when only twenty years of age,) the commis- 
sion of a major-general ; and his gallant conduct in the 
engagement at Brandywine, and subsequently through- 
out the war, proved him worthy of the confidence 
thus placed in him. Gen. La Fayette's wound, though 
slightj endeared him to the hearts of all the Ameri- 
cans. 



CHAPTER XVn, 

Philadelphia taken by the British. — Battle at Germantown. — 
Destruction of two British ships of war. — Americans abandon 
Mud Island and Red Bank. — Gen. Buro;o3T[ie's army reinforced. 
— Siege of Ticonderog^a. — Disaster of the Americans nealr 
Skeenesboroug-h. — Americans retire to Fort Edward. — British 
army approaches Fort Edward..— Head-quarters of the Amer- 
ican army formed at Saratoga. — Gen. Arnold takes station at^ 
Stillwater. — Col. St. Leger besieges Fort Stanwix ; is desert- 
ed by the Indians ; and retreats with loss. 

The loss of the battle at Brandjrwine proved also the* 

k)ss of Philadelphia. Gen. Washington retired to* 

wards Lancaster, an inland town some distance frcji* 

9* 



102 HISTORY OF THE 

Philadelphia ; and although he could not prevent the 
enemy from taking possession of Philadelphia, he still 
a<ihered to his former plan of distressing them, by 
laying ambushes and cutting off detached parties. — 
But in this he was less successful than formerly ; and 
one of his detachments, which lay in ambush in a 
wood, were themselves surprized and entirely defeat- 
ed, with the loss of three hundred men killed and 
wounded, besides seventy or eighty taken prisoners, 
with all their arms and baggage. 

General Howe, now perceiving that the Americans 
would not venture another battle, even for the sake 
of their capital, took peaceable possession of it on th^ 
26th of September. His first care was then to cut off, 
by means of strong batteries, the communication be- 
tween the upper and lower parts of the river ; which 
was executed, notwithstanding the opposition of some 
American armed vessels ; one of which, carrying thir- 
ty-six guns, was taken. 

His next task was to open a communication with it 
by sea ; and this was a work of no small difficulty. A 
vast number of batteries and forts had been erected, 
and immense machines, formed like chcvmix de frizes 
from whence they took their name, sunk in the river 
to prevent its navigation. As the fleet was sent round 
to the mouth of the river, in order to co-operate with 
the army, this work, however difficult, was accomplish- 
ed ; nor did the Americans give much opposition, well 
knowing that all places of this kind were now untena- 
ble. 

Gen. Washington, however, took the advantage of 
the royal army being divided, to attack the principal 
division of it that lay at Germantown, in the neighbor- 
hood of Philadelphia. In this he met with rery little 
success; for though he reached the place of destina- 
tion by three o'clock in the morning, the patroles had 
time to call the troops to arms. The Americans, not- 
withstanding, made a very resolute attack ; but they 
were received with so much bravery, that they were 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 103^ 

compelled to abandon the attempt, and retreat in great 
disorder. 

However, they were so fortunate as to carry off their 
eannon, (though pursued for a considerable way,) after 
having upwards of two hundred killed, about five hun- 
dred wounded, and upwards of four hundred taken pris- 
oners, among whom were fifty-four officers. On the 
British side, the loss amounted to four hundred and 
thirty wounded and prisoners, and seventy killed ; but 
among the last were Gen. Agnew and Col. Bird, with 
some other excellent officers. 

There still remained two strong forts on the Dela- 
ware, to be reduced. These were Mud Island and Red 
Bank. The various obstructions which the Americans 
had thrown in the way, rendered it necessary to bring 
up the Augusta, a ship of the line, and the Merlin frig- 
ate, to the attack of Mud Island ; but during the heat 
of the action both were grounded. Upon this, the 
Americans sent down four fire-ships, and directed the 
whole fire from their galleys against them. The for- 
mer were rendered ineffectual, by the courage and 
skill of the British seamen ; but during the engagement 
both the Augusta and Merlin took fire and were burnt to 
ashes ; and the other ships obliged to withdraw. 

The Americans, encouraged by this unsuccessful at- 
tempt, proceeded to throw new obstructions in the way; 
but the British general having found means to convey 
a number of cannon, and to erect batteries within gun 
shot of the fort by land, and bringing up three ships of 
the line, which mounted heavy cannon, the garrison, 
after making a vigorous defence for one day, perceiv- 
ing that preparations were making for a general assault 
on the next, abandoned the place in the night. Those 
who defended Red Bank followed their examjde, and 
abandoned it on the approach of Lord Cornw^dlis. 

A great number of the Americ-ui shipping, now find- 
ing themselves entirely destitute of any protection, sail- 
ed up the river in the night time. Seventeen, how- 
ever, remained, whose retreat was intercepted by a 
frigate and some armed vessels ; on v,'hich the Amori- 



104 inSTORY OV THE 

eans ran them ashore and burnt them, to prevent their 
faUing into the enemy's hands. 

Thus the campaign of 1777, in Pennsylvania, con- 
cluded, upon the whole, successfully on the part of the 
British. In the north, hawever, matters wore a differ- 
ent aspect. The expedition in that quarter had been 
projected by the British ministry as the most effectual 
method that could be taken to crush the states at once. 
The four New-England states had originally begun the 
confederacy against Great Britain, and were still con* 
sidered as the most active in the continuation of it ; and 
it was thought, that any impression made upon them, 
would contribute in an effectual manner to the reduc- 
tion of all the rest. 

For this purpose, an army of four thousand chosen 
British troops, and three thousand Germans, were put 
under the command of Gen. Burgoyne ; Gen. Carleton 
was directed to use his interest with the Indians, to per- 
suade them to join in this expedition ; and the province 
of Quebec was to furnish large parties to join in the 
same. 

The officers who commanded under Gen. Burgoyne, 
were. Gen. Phillips of the artillery. Generals Fraser, 
Powell, and Hamilton, with the German officers, Gene- 
rals Reidesel and Speecht. The soldiers were all ex- 
cellently disciplined,, and had been kept in their winter- 
quarters with all imaginable care, in order to prepare 
them for the expedition on which they were going. 

To aid the principal expedition, another was pro- 
jected on the Mohawk river, under Col. St. Leger, wha 
was to be assisted*by Sir Jahn Johnson ^ son of th» fa- 
mous Sir William Johnson, who had so greatly distin-, 
guished himself in the war of 1755. 

On the 21st of June, 1777, the army encamped on 
the western side of Lake Champlain ; where, being|- 
joined by a considerable body of Indians, Gen. Bur- 
go /ne made a speech, in which, it is said, he exhorted 
these new allies, but ineffectually, to lay aside their fe- 
rocious and barbarous manner of making war ; to kill 
©nly such as opposed them in arms ; and to spare pris- 



i 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 105 

oners, with such women and children as should fall in- 
to their hands. After issuing a proclamation, in which 
the force of Britain, and that which he commanded, 
was set forth in very ostentatious terms, the campaign 
opened with the siege of Ticonderoga. 

The place was very strong, and garrisoned by six 
thousand men, under Gen. Sinclair ; nevertheless, the 
works w^ere so extensive, that even this number was 
scarcely sufficient to defend them properly. They 
had therefore omitted to fortify a rupged eminence call- 
ed Mount Defiance, the top of which overlooked, and 
eifectually commanded the whole works ; imagining, 
perhaps, that the difficulty of the ascent would he suf- 
ficient to prevent the enemy from taking possession of 
it. 

On the approach of the first division of the British,, 
the Americans abandoned and set fire to their outworks; 
and so expeditious were the British troops, that by the 
6th of July, every post was secured, which was judged 
necessary for investing it completely. A road was soon 
after made to the very summit of that eminence which 
the Americans had supposed could not be ascended ; 
and so much were they now disheartened that they in- 
stantly abandoned the fort entirely, taking the road to 
Skeenesborough, a place ai the head of Lake Cham- 
plain ; while their baggage, with what artillery and 
military stores they could carry off, were sent to the 
same place by water. 

But the British generals were determined not to let 
them pass so easily. Both were pursued, and both 
overtaken. Their armed vessels Consisted only of five 
galleys ; two of which were taken, and three blown 
up ; on which they set fire to their boats and fortifica- 
tions at Skeenesborough. On this occasion, the Amer- 
icans lost two hundred boats, one hundred and thirty 
pieces of cannon, together with all their provisions and 
baggage. 

The American land forces, under Col. Francis, made 
a brave defence against Gen. Fraser ; and, superior iij 
number, had almost overpowered him, when Gen. 



i06 HISTORY OP THE 

Reidesel, with a large body of Germans, came to hk 
assistance. The Americans were now overpowered 
in their turn ; and their commander being killed, they 
fled on all sides v/ith great precipitation* In this ac- 
tion, two hundred Americans were killed, and as many 
taken prisoners, and above six hundred wounded, many 
«f whom perished in the woods for want of assistance. 

During the engagement, Gen. Sinclair was at Castle- 
ton, about ten miles from the place ; but, instead of go- 
ing forward to Fort Ann, the next place of strength, he 
repaired to the woods which lie between that fortress 
and New-England. Gen. Burgoyne, however, detach- 
ed Col. Hill, with the ninth regiment, in order to inter- 
cept such as should attempt to retreat towards Fort 
Ann. 

On his way, he met with a body of Americans, said 
to be six times as numerous as iiis own ; but after an 
engagement of three hoiirs, they were obliged to retire 
with great loss.. After so many disasters, despairing of 
being able to make any stand at Fort Ann, they set tire 
to it, and retired to Fort Edward. In all these engage- 
ments, the killed and wounded in the British army did 
not exceed two hundred men. 

Gen. Burgoyne was now obliged to suspend his ope- 
rations for some time, and wait at Skeenesborough for 
the arrival of his tents, provisions, &c. but employed 
this interval in making roads through the country about 
Fort Ann, and in clearing a passage for his troops t© 
proceed against the enemy. This was attended with 
incredible toil ; but all obstacles were surmounted with 
equal patience and resolution by the army. 

In short, after undergoing the utmost difficulty that 
could be undergone, and making every exertion that 
man could make, he arrived with his army before Fort 
Edward, about the end of July. Here Gen. Schuyler 
had been for some time endeavoring to recruit the shat- 
tered American forces, and had been joined by Gen^ 
Sinclair, with the remains of his army ; the garrison of 
Fort George also, situated on the lake of that name^ 
ijad evacuated the place, and retired to Fort Edward. 



AMEHICAN REVOLUTION. 107 

But on the approach of the royal army, the Ameri» 
o«ns retired from Fort Edward also, and formed their 
head quarters at Saratoga. Notwithstanding the great 
successes of the British general, they showed not the 
least disposition to submit, but seemed only to consider 
how they might make the most effectual resistance. — 
For this purpose, the militia was every where raised, 
and draughted to join the army at Saratoga ; and such 
numbers of volunteers were daily added, that they soon 
began to recover from the alarm into which they had 
been thrown. 

That they might have a commander whose abilities 
eould be rehed on, Gen. Arnold was appointed, who 
repaired to Saratoga with a considerable train of artille- 
ry ; but receiving intelligence that Col. St. Leger was 
proceeding with great rapidity in his expedition on the 
Mohawk river, he removed to Stillwater, about half 
way between Saratoga and the junction of the Mohawk 
and Hudson rivers. 

The colonel, in the mean time, had advanced as far 
as Fort Stanwix ; the siege of which he pressed with 
great vigor. On the 6th of August, understanding that 
a supply of provisions, escorted by eight or nine hun- 
dred men, was on the way to the fort, he dispatched Sir 
John Johnson, with a strong detachnjent,» to intercept 
it. This he did so effectually, that, besides intercept- 
ing the provisions, four hundred of its guard were slain, 
two hundred taken, and the rest escaped with great dif- 
ficulty. 

The garrison, however, were not to he intiniidated 
by this disaster, nor by the threats or representations 
of the colonel ; on the contrary, they made several 
successful sallies under Col. Willet, the second in com- 
mand ; and this gentleman, in company with another, 
even ventured out of the fort, and, eluding the vigilance 
of the enemy, passed through them, in order to hastem 
the march of Gen. Arnold to their assistance. 

Thus the affairs of Col. St. Leger seemed to be is 
no very favorable situation, notwithstanding his late 
success, and they were soon totally ruined by the deser° 



I 



108 HISTORY OF THE 

tion of the Indians. They had been alarmed by the 
report of Gen. Arnold's advancing with two thousand 
men to the relief of the fort ; and while the colonel 
was attempting to give them encouragement, another 
report was spread^ that Gen. Burgoyne had been de- 
feated with great slaughter, and was now flying before 
the Americans.. On this he was obliged to do as they 
thought proper ; and the retreat could not be effected 
without the loss of the tents, and some of the artillery 
and military stores. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Gen. Bur^oyn6 determines on reducing Bennington. — Brave 
defence of that place by the Americans under Gen. Stark.— 
British army encamp near Saratoga, and are attacked and 
beaten by the Americans. — Gen. Fraser killed. — Gen. Arnold 
wounded. — Col.Breymau killed. — TheGermans defeated with 
great slaughter. — Dist'ess of the British army, for want of 
provisions, &:c.— Gen. Burgoyne surrenders to Gen. Gates, by 
capitulation. — American works on the North river destroyed 
by Gen. Clinton. — Esopus burnt. 

GeNER AL Burgoyne, in the mean time, notwithstand- 
ing the difficulties he had already sustained, found that 
he must still encounter more. The roads he had 
made, with so much labor and pains, were destroyed, 
either by the Wetness of the season, or by the enemy, 
so that the provisions he had brought from Fort Geofge 
could not arrive at his camp without the most prodi^ 
gious toilo 

On hearing of the siege of Fort Stanwix, by Coli 
St. Leger^ the general determined to move forward, in 
hopes of enclosing the Americans between his own ar- 
my and that of St, Leger, or of obtaining the command 
of all the country between Fort Stanwix and Albany, 
and forming a junction with Col. St. Leger, which 
could not but be attended with the most happy conse- 
quences. The only difficulty in the way of this pro- 
ject appeared to be the want of provisions ; and to 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. i09 

Remedy this, Gen. Bvirgoyne proposed to reduce tho 
American magazines at Bennington. 

For this purpose, Col. Banm, a German officer oi" 
great bravery, was dispatched with a body ot" live 
hundred men. The place was about twenty rnilcs to 
the eastward of Hudson's river ; and to support Coi. 
Baum's party, the whole army marched up the river's 
bank, and encamped almost opposite to Saratoga, with 
the river betwixt it and tluit pi ice. An advanced par- 
ty was posted at Batten-Kill, betVvccn the camp and 
Bennington, in order to support Col. Baum. In their 
way the British seized a large supply ot" caltle and 
provisions, which were immediately sent to the camp , 
but the badness of the roads retarded their marrh «<: 
much, that intelligence of their design reached iien- 
nington, where the Americans were coUectei in con- 
siderable force under Gen. Siark. 

Understanding now that the American f\)Tce was 
greatly superior to his own, Col. Baum acjuainted 
Gen. Burgoytie, who imaiediately idespatched Col. 
Breyman with a party to his assistance ; but, through 
the same causes that had retarded the march of Col. 
Baum, this assist nice could not arrive in time. 

Gen. Stark, in the mean time, determined to attack 
the two parties separately ; and for this purpose advan- 
ced against Col. Baam, whom he surrounded on all sides, 
and attacked with the utmost violence. The troops 
defended themselves with great valor, but were to a 
man either killed or t;ike\i. 

C61. Breyman, after a desperate engagement, had thfi 
good fortune to etfect a retreat through the darkness of 
the night, which otherwise he could not have done, as 
his men had expended all their ammunition — being for- 
ty rounds to each. 

Gen. Burgoyne, thus disappointed in his attempt on 
iBennington, applied himself with indefatig tble diligence 
to procure provisions from Fort George ; and having 
at length a)iiassed a sulTiciei.t (piantity to last for a month, 
he threw a bridge of boats over the river Hudson 
10 



110 HISTORY OF THE 

which he crossed about the middle of September, en- 
camping on the hills and plains near Saratoga. 

As soon as he approached the American army, at this 
time encamped at Stillwater under Gen. Gates, he de- 
termined to make an attack ; for which purpose he put 
himself at the head of the central division of his army, 
having Gen. Fraser and Col. Breyman on the right, with 
Generals Reidesel and Phillips on the left. 

In this position, he advanced towards the Americans 
on the 19th of September. But the Americans did not 
wait to be attacked : on the contrary, they attacked the 
central division with the utmost violence ; and it was 
not until Gen. Phillips came up with the artillery, and 
at eleven o'clock at night, that they could be induced 
to retire to their camp. 

On this occasion, the British lost about five hundred 
in killed and wounded, and the Am.ericans about three 
hundred and nineteen. The former were very much 
alarmed at the obstinate resolution shown by the Amer- 
icans ; but this did not prevent them from advancing 
towards their enemy, and posting themselves the next 
day within cannon shot of their lines. But their allies, 
the Indians, began to desert in great numbers. 

At the same time Gen. Burgoyne was in the highest 
degree mortified at receiving no intelligence of any as- 
sistance from Sir Henry Clinton, as had been stipulat- 
ed. He now received a letter from him, by which he 
was informed, that Sir Henry intended to make a diver- 
sion on the North river in his fovor. This afforded 
but little comfort ; however, he returned an answer by 
several trusty persons, whom he dispatched different 
ways, stating his present distressed situation, and men- 
tioning that the provisions and other necessaries he had 
would only enable him to hold out till the 12th of Oc- 
tober. 

In the mean time, the Americans, in order to cut off 
the retreat of the British army in the most effectual 
manner, undertook an expedition against Ticonderoga j 
but weie obliged to abandon the enterprize, after hav- 
ing surprized all the outposts, and taken a great num- 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. lit 

ber of boats, with some armed vessels, and a number 
of prisoners. 

The army under Gen. Burgoyne, however, contin- 
ued to kbor under the greatest distresses ; so that in 
the beginning of October he had been obliged to dimin- 
ish the soldiers' allowance. On the 7th of that month, 
he determined to move towards the enemy. For this 
purpose he sent a body of fifteen hundred men to re- 
connoitre their left wing ; intending, if possible, to 
break through it, in order to effect a retreat. The de- 
tachment, however, had not proceeded far, when a 
dreadful attack was made upon the left wing of the Brit- 
ish army, which was with great difficulty preserved 
from being entirely broken, by a reinforcement brought 
up by Gen. Fraser, who was killed in the attack. 

After the troops had, with the most desperate efforts, 
regained their camp, it was most furiously assaulted by 
Gen. Arnold, who, notwithstanding all opposition, 
would have forced the entrenchments, had he not re- 
ceived a dangerous wound, which obliged him to retire. 
Thus the attack failed on the left ; but on the right the 
camp of the German reserve was forced, Col. Brey- 
man killed, and his countrymen defeated with great 
slaughter, and the loss of all their artillery and bag- 
gage. 

This was by far the heaviest loss the British army 
had sustained since the action at Bunker's Hill. The 
list of killed and wounded amounted to near twelve 
hundred, exclusive of the Germans ; but the grearost 
misfortune was, that the Americans had now an opening 
on the right and rear of the British forces, so that the 
army was threatened with entire destruction. 

This obliged Gen. Burgoyne once more to shift his 
position, thiit the Americans might also be obliged to 
alter theirs. This was accom])]ished on the night of 
the 7th, without any loss, and all the next day he con- 
tinued to offer the Americans battle ; but they were 
now too well assured of obtaining a complete victory, 
by cutting off all supplies from the British, to risk a 
pitched battle. Wherefore they advanced oa the right 



tl2 



Hi-STORY OF THE 




P i .v "r 



AMERICAN REVOLUTIO??, 11 '3 

aide, in order to enclose him entirely ; which obliged; 
the general to direct a retreat towards Saratoga. 

But the Americans had now stationed a great force 
on the ford at Hudson's river, so that the only possible 
retreat was by securing a passage to Lake George ; and 
to effect this, a body of workmen were detached, with 
a strong guard, to repair the roads and bridges that led 
to Fort Edward. As soon as they were gone, howev- 
er, the Americans seemed to prepare for an attack \. 
which rendered it necessary to recal the guard, and 
the workmen being of course left exposed, eould not 
proceed. 

In the mean time, the boats which conveyed provis- 
ions down the river,. were exposed to the continual fire 
of the American marksmen, who took many of them ; 
so that it became necessary to convey the provisions 
over land. In this extreme danger, it was resolved to 
march by night to Fort Edward, forcing the passages at 
the fords, either above or below the place. 

In order to effect this the inore easily, it was resolv- 
ed, that the soldiers should carry their provisions oo 
their backs, leaving behind their baggage, and every 
other incumbrance. But before this could be executed, 
intelligence was received that the Americans had raised 
strong entrenchments opposite to these fords, well pro- 
vided with cannon, and that they had likewise taken, 
possession of the rising ground between Fort George 
and Fort Edward, which in like manner was provided 
with cannon. 

All this time the American army was increasing, by 
the continual arrival of militia and volunteers from all 
parts. Their parties extended all along the opposite 
bank of the river, and some had even passed it, in or- 
der to observe the least movement of the British army. 
The whole force under Gen. Gates was computed to 
amount to sixteen thousand men^ while the army under 
Gen. Burgoyne scarce amounted to six thousand ; and 
every part of the camp was reached by the grape and 
rifle shot of the Americans, besides a discharge from 
their artillery, which was almost incessant, 
10* 



Hi HISTORY OF THE 

In this stats of extreme distress arrd danger, the Brlt^ 
ish annj coMtinued witli the grcatc&t constancy and per- 
severance, till the evening of the 13th of October, 
when an inventory of provisions being taken, it was 
foaiil that no more remained than was sufficient to 
serve for three days ; and a council of war being call- 
ed, it was unanimously determined, that there Avas no 
ine.tho 1 now remaining but totre.it ^vith the Americans. 
In coiisc'i'iencc of this, a negociation was opened the 
next dciy, which speedily terminated in the capitulation 
of the vrhole British army ; the principal article of 
V, hich was, that the troops were to have a free passage 
to Britain, on condition of not serving Jigainst America 
during tlie war. 

On this occasion, Gen. Gates, with a generous mag- 
nanimity, ordered his ar;ny to keep within their camp, 
Avliile the Britisli soldir.'r? went to a phice appointed for 
them to lay down their arms, th<it the latter might not 
have the addition;il mortification of beivig nrrad'C specta- 
cles on so melancholy an event. 

The nuinber of those who surrendered^ at Saratoga, 
timounted to five thousand seven huwlred and tifty, ac- 
cording to tlie American accounts ;. the list of sick and 
wounded left in the camp,, when.the army retreated to 
Saratoga, to tive hundred and twenty-eight ; and the 
number of those lost by other accidents, si»ice the tak- 
ing of Ticonderoga, to near three thousand. Thirty- 
five brass field-pieces, seven thousand stand of arm;*, 
clothing for an equal number of soldiers,^ with the tents>, 
military chest, &,g. constituted the booty on.this.occa- 

:-ioil. 

Sir Henry Clinton, in the mean time, had sniled up 
the North river, and destroyed the two forts called 
Montgomery and Clinton, with Fort Constitution, and 
another place called Continental Vilhige, where were 
barracks foF two thousand men. Seventy large can- 
non were carried away, besides a number of smaller 
artillery, and a great quantity of stores and ainmunir 
tion ; a large boom and chain, reaching across the riv- 
<:Z ffoii^ Fort Montgomery to a point of land called,St, 



AMERICAN REVOLmON. 1 15 

Anthony^s Nose, and which cost not less than 70001, 
sterling, were partly flestroyed, and p.irtly carried 
away, as was also another boom of little less v alue, at 
Fort Constitution. The loss of the British anny was 
but small In nutnber, thou^^h soaie officers of great mer- 
it were killed in the diiferent attacks. 

Another attack w^as nrade by Sir James Wallace, with 
some frigates, and a body of land forces under Gen. 
Vaughan. The place which now suffered was named 
Esopus. The fortifications were destroyed, and the 
town itself was wantonly reduced to ashes, as Continen- 
tal Village had been before. 

But these successes, of whatever importanx:e they 
might be, were now disregarded by both parties. They 
served only to irritate the Americans, flushed with 
their success ; and they w^ere utterly insufficient to 
raise the spirits of the British, who were now thrown 
into the utmost dismay. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Tteatywith France. — Favorable disposition of European pow- 
ers. — Gov. Johnstone attempts to bribe members of conarress, 
— Evacuation of Philadelphia. — Battle at Freehold. — Oen. 
Lee tried for disobedience of orders, and" suspended from his 
command. — Count d'Estaing- arrives with a fleet and troops 
from France. — Expedition ai^ainst Rhodi3-Island. — Destruc- 
tion of American vessels, magazines, fee. at Buzzard''s Bay. — 
Capture of sheep and cattle at Martha's Vineyard. — American 
cavalry defeated on the North River. — Little Egg: Harbor re- 
duced by the British. — Pulaski's legion surprized, and put to 
the sword. 

O^'^ the l^th of Blarcli, 177G, Lord North intimated 
to the house of commojis, that a paper had been laid 
before the king by the French ambassador, intimating 
the conclusion of an alliance between the court of 
France and the United States of America. The pre- 
lininii-ies of this treaty had been concluded in tlie end 
of the year 1777, and a copy of them sent to congress, 
iti order to counteract ni^y proposals that jaight be made 



116 HISTORY OP THE 

in the mean time by the British ministry. On the Btb 
of February, 1778, the articles were formally signed, 
to the great satisfaction of the French nation. They 
were in substance as follows : 

1. If Great Britain should, in consequence of this 
treaty, proceed to hostilities against France, the two 
nations should mutually assist one another. 

2. The main end of the treaty was, in an effectual 
manner to maintain the independence of America. 

3. Should those places of North-America still sub- 
ject to Britain, be reduced by the states^ they should 
be confederated with them, or subjected to their juris- 
diction. 

4. Should an^y of the West-India islands be reduced 
by France, they should be deemed its property. 

6. No formal treaty with Great Britain should be 
concluded, either by France or America, without the 
consent of each other ; and it was mutually agreed, 
that they should not lay down their arms till the inde- 
pendence of the states had been formally acknowledged. 

6. The contracting parties mutually agreed, to invite 
those powers that had received injuries from Great 
Britain, to join in the common cause; 

7. The United States guaranteed to France all the 
possessions in the West-Indies which she should con- 
quer; and France, in her turn, guaranteed the abso- 
kite independence of the states, and their supreme au- 
thority over every country they possessed, . or might 
acquire during the war. 

The notification of such a treaty as this could not 
but be looked upon as a declaration of war. On its 
being announced to the house, every one agreed in aa 
address to his majesty, promising to stand by him to Uie 
utmost in the present emergency ^ but it was warmly 
contended by the members in opposition, that the pres- 
ent ministry ought to be removed, on account of their 
numberless blunders and miscarriages in every instance. 

Many were of opinion, that the only way to extricate 
the nation from its trouble, was to aeknowledg.e the in- 
dependeace of America at once ; and^ thug they might 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 117 

still do with a good grace, what must inevitably be done 
at last, after expending much more blood and treasure 
than had yet been lavished in this unhappy contest. 

The ministerial pariv, how^^iver, entertained differ- 
ent ideas. Instigated by zeal [or the national honor, it 
was determined at once to resent the arrogance of 
France, and prosecute hostilities against America with 
more vigor than ever, should the terms now offered 
them be rejected. 

The Am-ericans, in the mean time, assiduously em- 
ployed their agents at the courts of Spain, Vienna, 
Prussia, and Tuscany, in order, if possible, to conclude 
alliances with them, or at least to procure an acknov/i- 
edgimentof their independence. As it had been re- 
ported that Britain intended to apply to Russia for as- 
sistance, the American commissioners- were enjoined to 
use their utmost influence with the German princes, to 
prevent such auxiliaries from marching through their 
territories, and to endeavor lo procure the recal of the 
German troops already sent to America. 

To France they offered a cession of such West-India 
islands as should be tiiken by the united strength of 
France and America ; and should Britain, by their joint 
endeavors, be dispossessed of Newfoundland, Capo 
Breton, and Nova Scotia, these territories sliould be di- 
vided betwixt the two nations, and Great Britain be to^ 
tally excluded from tfie fishery. 

The proposals m;tde to the Spanish court were, that 
in case they should think proper to espouse their quar- 
rel, the American states should assist in reducing Pen- 
sacola under the dominion of Spain, provided their 
citizens were allowed the free navigation of the river 
Mississippi, and the use of the harbor of Pens acola ; 
and they further offered, that, if agreeable lo Spain, 
they would declare war against Portugal, s'lould that 
power expel the American ships from its ports. 

In the mean time, the troops under Gen. Burgoyne 
were preparing to embark for England, agreeably to 
T;he articles of Capitulation at Saratoga ; but congress, 
having received information that many ai:ticles of am-* 



118 HISTORY OP THE 

munition and accoutrements had not been surrendered 
agreeably to the stipulated terms, and finding some 
cause to apprehend that sinister designs were harbor- 
ed on the part of Great Britain, to convey these troops 
to join the army at Philadelphia or New-York, posi- 
tively refused to let them embark, until an explicit 
ratification of the convention should be properly noti- 
fied by the British court. 

The season for action was now approaching ; and con- 
gress was indefatigable in its preparations for a new 
campaign, which it was confidently said would be the 
kst. Among other methods taken for this purpose, it 
was recommended to all young gentlemen of the states, 
to form themselves into bodies of cavalry, to serve at 
their own expense during the war. Gen. Washington, 
at the same time, to remove all incumbrances from his 
army, lightened the baggage as much as possible, by 
substituting sacks and portmanteaus in place of chests 
and boxes, and using pack horses instead of waggons. 

On the other hand, the British army, expecting to be 
reinforced by twenty thousand men, thought of nothing 
but concluding the war according to their wishes before 
the end of the campaign. It was with the utmost con- 
cern, as well as indignation, therefore, that they receiv- 
ed the news of Lord North's conciliatory bill. It was 
Hniversally looked upon as a national disgrace ; and some 
even tore their cockades from their hats, and trampled 
them under their feet, as a token of their indignation. 
By the Americans it was received with indifference. 
The British commissioners endeavoured to make it as 
public as possible ; and the congress, as formerly, or- 
dered it to be printed in all the ncAVspapers. 

On this occasion Gov. Tryon inclosed several copies 
of the bill to Gen. Washington in a letter, intreating 
that he would allow them to be circulated ; to which 
the general returned for answer a copy of a newspaper, 
in which the bill was printed, with the resolutions of 
congress upon it. These were, that whosoever pre- 
sumed to make a separate agreement with Britain should 
be deemed a public enemy ; tb.at the United States coujd 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 119 

not with propriety keep correspondence with the com- 
missioners until their independence was acknowledged, 
and the British fleets and armies removed from Amer- 
ica. 

At the same time, the states were warned not to suf- 
fer themselves to be deceived into security by any of- 
fers that might be made ; but to use their utmost en- 
deavours to send their quotas with all diligence into the 
field. The individuals with whom the commissioners 
conversed on the subject of the conciliatory bill, gene- 
rally returned for answer, that the day of reconcilation 
was past ; and that the' haughtiness of Britain had extin- 
guished all filial regard in the breasts of Americans. 

About this time also, Mr. Silas Dean arrived from 
France, with two copies of the treaty of commerce and 
alliance to be signed by congress. Advices of the most 
agreeable nature were also received from various parts, 
representing in the most favourable light the disposi- 
tions of the European powers ; all of whom, it was said, 
wished to see the independence of America settled upon 
the most permanent basis. 

Considering the situation of matters with the Ameri- 
cans at this time, therefore, it was no wonder that the 
commissioners found themselves unable to accomplish 
the errand on which they came. Their proposals 
were utterly rejected, themselves treated as spies, and, 
after a vain attempt by Gov. Johnstone, one of the 
commissioners, to bribe several members of congress, 
all intercourse with them was interdicted. 

But before any final answer could be obtained from 
congress, Sir Henry Chnton had taken the resolutioa 
of evacuating Philadelphia. Accordingly, on the 10th 
of June, after having made all necessary preparation, 
the army marched out of the city, before noon, with 
all its baggage and other incumbrances. Gen. Wash- 
ington, apprized of this design, had despatched ex- 
presses into the Jerseys, with orders to collect all thfe 
force that could be assembled, in order to obstruct the 
march of the enemy. 

After various movements, on both sides, Sir Henry 



120 HIS TORY OP THE 

Clinton, with the royal army, arrived at Freehold m 
the 27th of June, where he encamped in a very strong 
situation. Here Gen. Washington determined to com- 
mence an attack, as soon as the eneuiy should again be- 
gin its march. 

The night was spent in making the necessary prepa- 
rations, and Gen. Lee, with his division, was ordered 
to be ready by day-break. But Sir Henry Clinton, 
justly apprehending that the chief object of the Amer- 
icans was the baggage, committed that to the care of 
Gen. Knyphausen, whom he ordered to set out early 
in the morning, while he followed with the rest of the 
army. 

The attack was made, according to arrangements ; 
but the British general had taken such care to arrange 
his troops properly, and so effectually supported his 
forces during the engagement, that Gen. Lee, so far 
from making any impression on the enemy, would him- 
self have been totally defeated, had it not been for the 
timely advance of Gen. Washington with the main ar- 
my. The British troops effected tiieir retreat in the 
night, with the loss of three hundred men, of whom 
many died through mere fatigue, without the slightest 
wound. 

In this action Gen. Lee was charged by Gen. Wash- 
ington with disobedience and misconduct, in retreating 
before the British army. He was tried by a court- 
martial, and sentenced to a temporary suspension from 
his command. 

After the arrival of the British at Sandy-Hook, a 
bridge of boats was, by Lord Howe's directions, thrown 
from thence over the channel, which sepal^ated the isl- 
and from the main land, and the troops were convej'^d 
on b^ard the fleet ; after which the}^ sailed to New- 
York. 

After sending some hght detachments to watch the 
enemy's motions. Gen. Washington marched towards 
the North river, where a great force had been collect- 
ed to join him, and where it was now expected that 
some very capital operations would take place. 



AMERICAN REVOLUTIOK. 121 

In the mean time, France had set about her prepara- 
tions for the assistance of the Americans, On the 14th 
of April, Count d'Estaiiig h;;(l .^aslt(1 troni Toulon, with 
a strong squadron of ship- of tlie liiie and frij2;ates, and 
arrived on the coast of Virginia in the beginning of 
July, while the British lleet was employed in convey- 
ing the forces from Sandy-Hook to New-York. 

The French fleet consisted of one ship of tAvcnty 
guns, one of eiglity, six of seventy-four, and four of 
sixty-four, besides several large frigates ; and, exclu- 
sive of its complement of sailors, had six thousand ma- 
rines and soldiers on board. To oppose this force^ 
the British had only six ships of sixty-four guns, three 
of fifty guns, and Uvo of Ibrty, with some frigates and 
sloops. 

Notwithstanding this Inferiority, however, the Brit- 
ish admiral posted himself so advan'ageously, and show- 
ed such superior skill, that d.'Estaing did not think prop- 
er to attack him ; particularly, as the pilots inibrined 
him that it was impracticable to carry his large ships 
over the bar into the Hook, and Gen. Vv'ashingtoa 
pressed him to sail for Newport. He therefore re- 
mained at anchor, four miles oil Sandy-Hook, till the 
2f2d of July, without effecting any thing niore than the 
capture of some vessels, which, through ignorance of 
his arrival, fell in hi« way. 

The next attempt of the French admiral, in con- 
juction with the Americans, was on Rhode-Island. It 
was proposed that d'Estaing, with the six thousand 
troops he had with him, should make a descent on the 
southern part of the island, while a body of the Amer- 
icans should take possession of the north ; at the same 
time the French squadron was to enter th6 harbor of 
Newport, and take and destroy all the British ship- 
ping. 

On the 8th of August, the French admiral entered 
the harbor as was proposed, but found himself unable 
to do any material damage. Lord Howe, however, in- 
stantly set sail for Rhode-Island ; and d'Estaing, confidT 
ing in his superiority, immediately came out of the 
11 



122 HISTORY OP THE 

harbor to attack him. A violent storm parted the two 
fleets, and did so much damage that they were ren- 
dered totally uniit for action. 

The French, however, suffered most ; and several 
of their ships being afterwards attacked si)igly by the 
Bntisii, very narrowly escaped being taken. On the 
20th of August, d'Estaing returned to Newport in a ve- 
ry shattered condition ; and not thinking himself safe 
there, sailed two days after for Boston. Gen. Sullivan, 
in the mean time, had landed on the northern part of 
Pthode-Island, with ten thousand men. 

On the 17th of August, they began their operations, 
by erecting batteries, and making their approaches to 
the British lines. . But Gen. Pigot, wlio coiumanded in 
Newport, had taken such effectual care, to secure him- 
self on the land side, that without the assistance of a 
marine force it w-is altog'^'ther iij;;possib]e to attack him 
with any probability of success. The conduct of d'Es- 
taing, therefore, who had abandoned them when mas- 
ter of the harbor, gave the greatest disgust to the peo- 
ple of New-England, and Gen. Sullivan began to think 
of a retreat. On perceiving his intentions, the garri- 
son sallied out upon him vvith so much vigor, that it 
was not without difficulty that he effected his retreat. 

He had not been gone long, when Sir Henry Clinton 
arrived Avith a body of four thousand men ; ^vhich, had 
they arrived sooner, would have enabled the British 
commander to have gained a decisive victory over him, 
as well as to have destroyed the town of Providence, 
wliicb, by its vicinity to Rhode-Island, and the enter- 
prizes which were continually projected and carried 
oil in that place, kept the inhabitants of Rhode-Island 
in continual al \rm-. 

The first Briti-ii expedition was to Buzzard's Bay» 
on the coast of New-England, and in the neigliborhood 
of Rhode-island. Here they destroyed a g_reat num- 
ber of privateers and merchantmen, magazines, store- 
houses, &c. From this they proceeded to a fertile and 
populous island called Martha's Vineyard, from whence 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 123 

they carried off ten thousand sheep, and three hundred 
black cattle. 

Another expedition took place up the North river, 
under Lord Cornwallis and Gen. Knyphausen ; the 
principal event of which was, the destruction of a regi- 
ment of American cavalry, known by the name of 
Washington's Light-Horse. 

A third expedition was directed to Little Egg Har- 
bor, in New- Jersey, a place noted for privateers, the 
destruction of which was its principal intention. It 
was conducted by Captains Ferguson and Collins, and 
ended in the destruction of the American vessels, as 
well as of the place itself. At the same time, part of 
another body of American troops, called Pulaski's le- 
gion, was surprized, and a great number of them put 
to the sword. 



CHAPTER XX. 

American expedition to West-Florida. — British expedition to 
Georgia. — -Savannah taken. — Georgia in possession of the 
British. — Americans defeated at Briar's Creek. — British gain 
possession of St. James's, St. John's, and Port Royal. — Count 
d'Estaing sails to the West-Indies ; is recalled to the United 
States; contemplates the recovery of Georgia ; arrives off the 
coast, and captures several vessels. — Summons Gen. Prevost to 
surrender Savannah. — The town assaulted. — Count Pulaski 
killed. — Count d'Estaing wounded. 

IN the beginning of this year, the Americans had 
projected the conquest of West-Florida; and one 
Capt. Willing, with a party of resolute men, had made 
a successful incursion into that countr}^ This awak- 
ened the attention of the British to the southern states, 
and an expedition against them was determined on. 
Georgia was the place of destination ; and, the more 
effectually to ensure success, Col. Campbell, with a 
sufficient force, under convoy of some ships of war 
commanded by Sir Hyde Parker, embarked at New- 
York ; while Gen. Prevost, who commanded in East- 



121 KISTCRY OF THE 

Florida, was directed to set ovA. with all the force he 
<;oii]d spare. 

The armament from New- York arrived off the coast 
of Georgia, in the month of December ; and though 
the Americans were ver}^ strongly ^losted in an advan- 
tageous situation ou shore, the British troops made 
good their landing, and advanced towards Savannah, the 
capital of the state. That verj^ day they defeated the 
force of the Americans which opposed them, and took 
possession of the town with such celerity, that the 
Americans had not time to execute a resolution they 
had taken of setting it on fire. 

In ten days, the whole state of Georgia was reduced, 
Sunbury alone excepted ; and this was also brought 
lender subjection by Gen. Prevost, in his march north- 
v.ard. Every possible method was taken to secure 
the tranquility of the country ; and rewards were offer- 
ed for apprehending committee and assemblymen, or 
such as were judged most inimical to the British inter- 
ests. On the arrival of Gen. Prevost, the command of 
the troops naturally devolved on him, as the senior of- 
ficer ; and the conquest of Carolina was next pro- 
jected. 

In this attempt, there was no small probability of 
success. The country contained a great number of 
iriends to the British government, who now eagerly 
embraced the opportunity of declaring themselves ; 
many of the inhabitants of Georgia had joined the royal 
standard ; and there was not in the state nnj consider- 
able body of American forces, capable of opposing the 
efforts of regular and well disciplined troops. 

On the first ncwg of Gen. Provost's approach, the 
royalists assembled in a body, imigining themselves 
able to stand their ground until their allies slvould ar- 
rive ; but in this they were disappointed. The Amer- 
icans attacked and defeated them, with the loss of half 
their number. The remainder retreated into Georr 
gia ; and, after undergoing many difficulties, at last ef- 
fected a junction with the British forces. 

la the mean time, Gen. Linctfln, with a considerable 



AIMERICAN REVOLUTION. 125 

body of 7\merican troops, had encamped within twenty 
miles of the town of Savannah ; and another strong par- 
ty had posted themselves at a place called Briar's 
Creek, farther up the river Savannah. Thus the ex- 
tent of the British government was likely to be circum- 
scribed within very narrow bounds. Oen. Prevost, 
therefore, determined to dislodge the party at Briar's 
Creek ; and the latter, trusting to their strong situa- 
tion, and being remiss in their guard, suffered them- 
selves to be surprized on the 30th of March, 1779 ; 
when they were utterly routed, with the loss of more 
than three hundred killed and taken, besides a great 
number drowned in the river or the swamps. 

The whole artillery, stores, baggage, and almost all 
the arms of this unfortunate party, were taken, so tfiat 
they could no more make any stand ; and thus the state 
of Georgia was once more freed from the Americans^ 
and a communication opened with those places in CarO' 
lina where the royalists chiefly resided. 

The victory at Briar's Creek proved of considera- 
ble service to the British cause. Great numbers of 
the royalists joined their army, and considerably aug- 
mented its force. Hence they were enabled to stretch 
their posts further up the river, and to guard all the 
principal passes ; so that Gen. Lincoln was reduced to 
a state of inaction, and at last moved off towards Au- 
gusta, in order to protect the state legislature, which 
was obliged to sit in that place, the capital being now in 
ihe hands of the British. 

Gen. Lincoln had no sooner quitted his post, than it 
was judged a proper time by the British general to put 
in execution the grand scheme which had been medi- 
tated against Carolina, Many difficulties indeed lay in 
his way : the river Savannah was so swollen by the ex- 
cessive rains of the season, that it seemed impassible ; 
the opposite shore, for a great way, was so full of 
swamps and marshes, that no army could march over 
it without the greatest difficulty ; and, to render the 
passage still mere difficult, Gen. Moultrie was left with 



126 HISTOI^Y 



OP THE 



a considerable body of troops, in order to oppose the 
er.emy's attempts. 

But in spite of every opposition, the constancy and 
perseverance of the British forces at last prevailed.—* 
Gen. Moultrie was obliged to retire towards Charles- 
ton; and the pursuing army, after having waded through 
the marshes for some time^^ at last arrived in an open 
country, through which they pursued their march with 
great rapidity towards the capital ; while Gen. Lincoln 
made preparations to march to its relief. 

Certain intelligence of the danger to which Charles- 
ton v/as exposed, animated the American general. A 
chosen body of infantry, mounted on horseback for the 
great expedition, was dispatched before him ; while 
Gen. Lincohi himself followed with all the forces he 
couid collect. Gen. Moultrie, too, with the troops he 
had brought from Savannah, and some others he had 
collected since his retreat from thence, had taken pos- 
session of ail the avenues leading to Charleston, and 
prepared for a vigorouvs defence. But all opposition 
proved ineffectual ; and the British army was. allowed 
to come within cannon shot of Charleston, on the 12th 
of May. 

The town was now summoned to surrender, and the 
inhabitants would gladly have agreed to observe a neu- 
trality during the rest of the war, and would have en- 
gaged also for the rest of the state. But these terms 
not being accepted, they made preparations for a vigor- 
ous defence. It was not, however, in tlie power of 
the British commander at this time to make an attack 
with any prospect of success. His artillery was not of 
sufficieiil weight ; there were no ships to support his 
attack by land ; and Gen. LuK^oln, advancing rapidly 
with a superior army , threatenvnl to inrh)se hiiu bctw eon 
his own force and the town ; so tiiat thovdd lie tail in 
his first attempt, certain destruction wouhi be the con- 
s<".quence. 

For these reasons he witKdrew his forces from be- 
fore the town, and took possession of two islands called 
^'^t. James'« and St. John's, lying to the SDuthward ; 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 127 

where, having Waited some time, his force was aug- 
mented by the arrival of two frigates. With these he 
determined to make himself master of Port Royal, an= 
other island possessed of an excellent harbor and many 
other natural advantages, from its situation also com- 
manding all the s'ea coast from Charleston to Savannah 
river. 

The American general, however, did not allow this 
to be accomplished without opposition. Perceiving 
that his opponents had occupied an advantageous post 
on St. John's island, preparatory to his enterprizei 
against Port Royal, he attempted, on the 20th of June, 
to dislodge them from it ; but, after an obstinate attack, 
the Americans were obliged to retire with considerable 
loss. . 

On this occasion, the success of the British arms was 
in a great measure owing to an armed float, which galled 
the right flank of the Americans so effectually, that they 
could direct their efforts only against the strongest part 
of the lines, which proved impregnable to their at- 
tacks. This disappointment was instantly followed by 
the loss of Port Royal, which Gen. Prevost took pos- 
session of, and put his troops into proper stations, wait- 
ing for the arrival of such reinforcements as were ne- 
cessary for the intended attack on Charleston. 

The profligate conduct of the refugees, and the offi- 
cers and soldiers of the British, in plundering the hous- 
es of individuals, during this incursion, is incredible. 
Negroes were seduced or forced from their masters ; 
furniture and plate were seized without decency or au- 
thority ; and the most infimous violations of every law 
of honor and honesty were openly perpetrated. Indi- 
viduals thus accumulated wealth, but the reputation of 
the British arms incurred an everlastin&: stigm;i. 

hi tlie mean time, Count d'Estain?*;, who, as we have 
alrei'iy observed, had put into Boston harbor to relit, 
hm iHv^d his utmost endeavors to in^rati.ite hinis^h 
with tho. inhabitants- of that city. Ze.ilous also in the 
cause of his master, he had pubii-hed a proclain-iiian, 
to be dispersed through Canada, iriviting the people io 



i28 KISTORY OF TH£ 

return to their original friendship with France, and de- 
claring that all who renounced their allegiance to Great 
Britain, should certainly find a protector in the king of 
France. All his endeavors, however, proved insuffi- 
cient at this time to produce any revolution, or even to 
form a party of any consequence among the Canadians. 

As soon as the French admiral had refitted his fleet, 
he took the opportunity, whife that of Admiral Byron 
had been shattered by a storm, of sailing to the West- 
Indies. During his operations there, the Americans 
having represented his conduct as totally unserviceable 
to them, he received orders from Europe to assist the 
states with all possible speed. 

In compliance with these orders, he directed his 
course towards Georgia, with a design to recover that 
state out of the hands of the enemy, and to put* it, as 
well as South-Carolina, in such a posture of defence, 
as would effectually secure them from any future attack* 
This seemed to be an easy matter, from the little ibrce 
with which h« knew he should be opposed ; and the 
next object in contemplation, was no less than the des- 
truction of the British fleet and army at New- York, 
-and their total expulsion from the continent of America. 

Full of these hopes, the French commander arrived 
off the coast of Georgia, with a fleet of twenty-two sail 
of the line, and ten large frigates. His arrival was so 
little expected, that several vessels laden with provis- 
ions and military stores fell inj:o his hands ; th^» Exper- 
iment, also, a vessel of fifty guns, commanded by Sir 
James Wallace, was taken, after a stout resistance. 

On the continent, the British troops were divided. 
Gen. Prevost, with an inconsiderable part, remained at 
Savannah ; but the main force was under Col. Mait- 
land, at Port Royal. On the first appearance of the 
French fleet, an express was dispatched to Col. Mait- 
land, but it Avas intercepted by the Americans ; so that 
before he could set out in order to join the commander- 
in-chief, the Americans had secured most of the passes 
by land-, while the French fleet effectually blocked up. 
the passage by sea. But, by taking advantage of creeks 



AIVIERICAN REVOLUTION. 129 

and inlets, and marching over land, he arrived just in 
time to relieve Savannah. 

D'Estaing had allowed Gen. Prevost twenty-four 
kours to deliberate whether he should capitulate or not. 
This time the general employed in making the best pre- 
parations he could for a defence ; and during this time 
it was that Col. Maitland arrived. D'Estaing's sum- 
mons was now rejected ; and there was every proba- 
bihty of success on the part of the British. The gar- 
rison now consisted of three thousand men, all of ap- 
proved valor and experience ; while the united force 
of the French and Americans did not amount to ten 
thousand. 

The event was answerable to the expectations of the 
British general. Having the advantage of a strong for- 
tification, and excellent engineers, the fire of the allies 
made so little impression, that d'Estaing resolved t© 
bombard the town, and a battery of nine mortars was 
erected for this purpose. This produced a request 
from Gen. Prevost, that the women and children might 
be allowed to retire to a place of safety. But the alli- 
ed commanders, from motives of policy, refused com- 
pliance ; and they resolved to give a general assault. 

This was accordingly attempted, on the 9th of Octo- 
ber ; but the assailants were every where repulsed 
vrith such slaughter, that twelve hundred were killed 
and wounded ; among the former was Count Pulaski, 
the celebrated conspirator against the reigning king of 
Poland, and among the latter was d'Estaing himself. 

This disaster entirely overthrew the sanguine hopes 
of the Americans and French ; but, so for from re- 
proaches or animosity arising between them, their 
common misfortune seemed to increase their confidence 
and esteem for each other : a circumstance fairly to be 
attributed to the conciliatory conduct of Gen, Lincoln 
upon every occasion. After waiting eight days longer, 
both parties prepared for a retreat, the French tQ 
their shipping, and the Americans into Carolina. 



130 mSTORY OF THE 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Expedition against Virginia. — Vessels, stores, &c. at Portsmouth 
destroyed. — American works at Verplank's and Stony Point 
reduced by the British. — Expedition to Connecticut. — Ship- 
ping" and naval stores at New-Haven destroyed. — Fairfield, 
Norwalk, and Greenfield burnt. — Storming of Stony Point. — 
Unsuccessful attempt on Powles Hook. — American expedition 
to Penobscot river. — Spain joins the canfederacy against Great 
Britain, and invades West-Florida. — Military and naval ope- 
rations there. — Gen. Sullivan's expedition against the Indians. 
— Indians defeated. 

W HILE the allies were thus unsuccessfully employed 
in the southern states, their antagonists were no less 
assiduous in distressing them in the northern parts. — 
Sir George Collier was sent with a fleet, carrying on 
board Gen. Matthews, with a body of land forces, into 
the state of Virginia. Their first attempt was on the 
town of Portsmouth ; where, though, the Americans 
had destroyed some ships of great value, the British 
troops arrived in time to save a great number of oth- 
ers. 

On this occasion about one hundred and twenty ves- 
sels of different sizes were burnt, and twenty carried 
off; and an immense quantity of provisions, designed 
for the use of Gen. Washington's army, was either 
destroyed or carried off, together with a great variety 
of naval and military stores. The fleet and army then 
returned, with little or no loss, to New-York. 

The success with which this expedition was attend- 
ed, soon gave the enemy encouragement to attempt 
another The Americans had for some time been em- 
ployed in the erection of two strong forts on the North 
river ; the one at Verplank's Point, on the east, and 
the other at Stony Point, on the west side. These, 
when completed, would have been of the utmost ser- 
vice to the Americans, as commanding the principal 
pass, called the King's Ferry, between the northern 
and southern colonies. At present, however, they 
were not in a condition to make an effectual defence ; 



AMERIGy\N REVOLUTION. 13i 

the enemy therefore determined to attack them before 
the works should be completed. 

The force employed on this occasion was divided 
into two bodies ; one of which directetl its course 
against Verplank's, and the other against Stony Point. 
The former was commanded by Gen. Vaughan, and 
the latter by Gen. Patterson, while the shipping was 
under the direction of Sir George Collier. General 
Vaughan met with no resistance ; the Americans at 
Verplank's Point abandoning their works, and setting 
fire to every thing combustible that they could not 
carry off. At Stony Point, however, a vigorous de- 
fence was made, though the garrison was at last obliged 
to capitulate upon honorable conditions. 

To secure the possession of this last place, which 
was considered the most important of the two, Gen. 
Clinton removed from his former situation, and en- 
camped in such a position as to prevent Gen. Wash- 
ington from giving any assistance. The Americans, 
however, revenged themselves by distressing, with 
their numerous piivateers, the trade with the enemy 
at New-York. 

This occasioned a third expedition, to Connecticut^ 
where these privateers were chiefly built and harbor- 
ed. The command of this expedition was given to 
Gov. Tryon and Gen. Garth, an officer of known value 
and experience. Under convoy of a considerable 
number of armed vessels, they landed at New-Haven, 
where they demolished the jjatteries that had been 
erected to oppose them, and destroyed the shipping 
and naval stores ; but they spared the town itself, as 
the inhabitants had abstained from firing out of their 
houses upon the troops. 

Frow New-Haven they marched to Fairfield, where 
they proceeded as before, reducing the town to ashes, 
Norwalk was next attacked, which in hke manner was 
reduced to ashes ; as was also Greenfield, a small sea- 
port, in the neighborhood. Such repeated conflagra- 
tions, wantonly and cruelly spread, served only to in- 



132 HISTORY OF THE 

crease the disgust which was felt by every friend to the 
American cause. 

These successes proved very alarming, as well as 
detrimental to the Americans ; so that Gen. Washing- 
ton determined, at all events, to drive the enemy from 
Stony Point. For this purpose he sent Gen. Wayne, 
with a detachment of chosen men, directing him to at- 
tempt the recovery of it by surprize. On this occa- 
sion, the Americans showed a spirit and resolution ex- 
ceeding any thing either party had performed during 
the war. 

Though after the capture of it by the British, the 
fortifications of this place had been completed, and 
were very strong, they attacked the enemy with bayo- 
nets, after passing through a heavy fire of musketry 
and grape shot ; and, in spite of all opposition, obliged 
the surviving part of the garrison, amounting to five 
hundred, to surrender themselves prisoners of war. 

Though the Americans did not at present attempt to 
retain possession of Stony Point, the success they had 
met with in the enteprize, emboldened them to make a 
similar attempt on Powles Hook, a fortified place on the 
Jersey side, opposite to New-York ; but, although the 
heroism of the enterprize, and the spirit with which it 
was executed, deserve applause, after having complete- 
ly surprized the posts, the American 9ommander, Maj. 
Lee, finding it impossible to retain them, made an or- 
derly retreat, with about one hundred and sixty-one 
px'isoners, among whom were seven oflicers. 

Another expedition of greater importance was now 
projected on the part of the Americans. This was 
against a post on the river Penobscot, on the borders of 
Nova Scotia, of which the British had lately taken pos- 
session, and where they had begun to erect a fort, 
which threatened to be a very great inconvenience to 
the Americans. 

The armament destined against this place was so soon 
got in readiness, that Col. M'Lane, the commanding of- 
ficer at Penobscot, found himself obliged to drop the 
execution of part of his scheme ; and instead of a regu- 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 133 

iar fort, to content himself with putting the works al- 
ready constructed in as good a posture of defence as 
possible. 

The Americans could not effect a landing Avithout a 
great deal of difficulty, and bringing the guns of their 
largest vessels to bear upon the shore. As soon as this 
was done, however, they erected several batteries, and 
kept up a brisk fire for the space of a fortnight ; after 
which they proposed to give a general assault ; but be- 
fore this could be effected, they perceived Sir George 
Collier, with a British fleet, sailing up the river to at- 
tack them. 

On this they instantly embarked their artillery and 
military stores, sailing up the river as far as possible, 
in order to avoid him. They were so closely pursu- 
ed, however, that not a single vessel could escape ; so 
that the whole fleet, consisting of nineteen armed ves- 
sels and twenty-four transports, was destroyed ; most 
of them indeed being blown up by themselves. 

The soldiers and sailors were obliged to wander 
through immense desarts, where they suffered much 
for want of provisions ; and, to add to their calamities, 
a quarrel broke out between the soldiers and seamen, 
concerning the cause of their disaster, whfch ended hi 
a violent fray, where a great number were killed. 

Thus, the arms of America aud France being almost 
every where unsuccessful, the independence of the 
former seemed yet to be in danger, notwithstanding the 
assistance of so powerful an ally ; wlien further en- 
couragement was given, by the accession of Spain to 
the confederacy against Great Britain, in the month of 
June, 1779. 

The firt effect of this appeared in an invasion of 
West-Florida by the Spaniards, in September, 1779. 
As the country was in no state of defence, the Span- 
iards made themselves masters of the whole, almost 
without opposition. 

Their next enterprize was against the Bay of Hon- 
duras, where the British logwood cutters were settled^ 
12 



134 HISTORY OF THE 

The«?e, finding themselve too weak to resist, applied to 
the governor of Jamaica lor relief ; who sent them a 
supply of men, ammmiition, and military stores, under 
Capt. Dalryniple. Before the arrival of this detach- 
ment, the principal settlement in those parts, called St« 
George's Key, had. been taken by the Spaniards, and 
retaken by the British. 

In his way, Capt. Dalrymple fell in with a squadron 
from Admiral Parker, in search of some register ships 
richly laden ; but which, retreating into the harbor of 
Omoa, were too strongly protected by the fort to be at- 
tacked with safety. A project was then formed, in con- 
junction with the people of Honduras, to reduce this 
fort. The design was to surprize it ; but the Spaniards 
having discovered them, they were obliged to tight. 

Victory quickly declared for the British ; but the 
fortifications were so strong, that the artillery they had 
brought along with them were found too light to make 
any impression. It was then determined to try the suc- 
cess of an escalade ; and this was executed with so 
much spirit, that the Spaniards stood astonished, with- 
out making any resistance ; and, in spite of all the ef- 
forts of the oflicers, threw down their arms and surren- 
dered. 

The spoil was immense, being valued at g3,000,000. 
The Spaniards chiefly lamented the loss of two hun- 
dred and fifty quintals of quicksilver, a commodity in- 
dispensably necessary in the workings of their gold and 
silver mines ; so that they ofie red to ransom it at any 
price ; but this was refused, as well as the ransom of 
tiie fort, though the governor ofiered ^300,000 lor it. 

A small garrison was left for the defence of the place, 
but it was "quickly attacked by a superior force, which 
obliirad them to evacuate it, though not without des- 
troying every thing that could be of any use to the en- 
emy ; spiking the guns, and even locking the gates of 
the fort, ;<nd cari^ng off the keys. All this was done 
in sic^bt of the besiegers ; after which the garrison em- 
burked without the loss of a man. 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 135 

As no operations of any consequence took place this 
year in the state of New-York, the congress made use 
of the opportunity to dispatch Gen. Sulhvan, with a 
considerable force, in order to take vengeance on the 
Indians for their ravages and depredations. Of this 
the Indians were apprized ; and collecting all their 
strength, resolved to come to a decisive engagement. 

Accordingly they took a strong post in the most 
woody and mountainous part of the country ; erecting 
abreast-work in their front, of large logs of wood, ex- 
tending kalf a mile in length, while their right flank 
was covered by a river, and the left by a hill of diffi- 
cult access. This advantageous position they had tak- 
en by the advice of the refugees who were among them, 
and of whom two or three hundred were present in 
the battle. 

Thus posted, the Indians waited the approach of the 
American arm}'^ : but the latter, having brought some 
artillery along with them, played it against the breast- 
work of the enemy with such success, that in two hours 
it was almost destroyed ; and at the same time a party 
having reached the top of the hill, the Indians became 
apprehensive of being surrounded, on which they in- 
stantly fled Avith precipitation. 

The Americans, after this battle, m.et with no fartiier 
resistance of any consequence. They were suilered 
to proceed without interruption. On entering; tlie 
country of the Indians, it appeared that they had hern 
acquainted with agriculture and the arts of peace, ftr 
beyond what had been supposed. From Gen. Sulli- 
van's pompo'is account, (which, hov/ever, becaute a 
subject of ridicule among the solfliers in Gen. Wash- 
ington's army,) it was learned, that the Indian houses 
were large, coi-venient, and even elpirant; theiruTounds 
were excellently cultivaterl, and their gardens abound- 
ed in Iruit trees and veuet iblcs of jdl kinds lit for food. 

The whole of this line couiitry wouli now, by the 
American general, have been converted into a desart, 
had it not been for the humane forbearance of Gen, 



136 HISTORY OF THE 

Hand and Col. Durbin, in executing the orders of Gen. 
Sullivan, The desolation, however, was extensive, 
and not to be justilied by the savage character and ex- 
ample of their enemy. 



CHAPTER XXn. 

;r Henry Clinton sails to Charleston, S. C. with troops and arm- 
ed ships, to aid in the attack on that place. — Charleston at- 
tacked. — American cavalry and militia defeated. — British un- 
der Lieut. Col. Tarleton delegated. — Omrlestoa surrendered to 
the British. — Harbor of New- York shut up by the ice. — Uu- 
f-:uccps«fal expedition to Staten Island. — Gen. Clinton's procla- 
mations. 

lY E must now take a view of the transactions in the 
southern states, to which the vrar was, in the year 1780, 
so elTectually transferred, that the operations there be- 
came at last decisive. Tiie success of Gen. Prevost in 
advancing to the very capital of South-Carolina, has 
been already related, together with the obstacles which 
prevented*him from becoming master of it at that time. 

Towards the end of the year 1779, however, Sir 
Henry Clinton set sail from New- York, with a consid- 
erable body of troops, intended for the attack of 
Charleston, S. C. in a fleet of ships of war and trans- 
ports, under the command of Vice Admiral Avbnthnot. 
They had a very tedious voyage ; the weather Vv'as un- 
commonly bad ; several of the transports were lost, 
as were also the greater part of the horses which they 
carried with them, intended for cavalry or other pub- 
lic uses ; and an ordnance ship likewise foundered at 
sea. 

Having arrived at Savannah, where they endeavored 
to repair the damages sustained on their voyage, they 
proceeded from thence on the 10th of February, 1780, 
to North-Edisto, the place of debarkation which had 
been previously appointed. They had a favorable and 
speedy passage thither ; and though it required time 
to have the bar explored and the channel marked, the 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 137 

transports all entered the harbor the next day ; and 
the army took possession of St. John's island, about 
thirty miles from Charleston, without opposition. 

Preparations were then made for passing tlie squad- 
ron over Charleston bar, where the high water spring 
tides were only nineteen feet deep : but no opportuni- 
ty offered of going into the harbor, till the 20th of 
March, when it was effected without any accident, 
though the American galleys continually attempted to 
prevent the English boats from sounding the channc ', 
The British troops had previously removed from St. 
John's to St. James's island ; and on the 29th of the 
same month, they effected a landing on Charleston 
neck. On the 1st of April, they broke ground within 
eight hundred yards of the American works ; and by 
the 8th, the besiegers' guns were mounted in battery. 

As soon as the army began to erect their batteries- 
against the town, Admiral Arbuthnot embraced the first 
favorable opportunity of passing Sullivan's island, upon 
which there was. a strong fort of batteries, the chief 
defence of the harbor. He weighe<l on the 9th, with 
the Roebuck, Richmond^ Romulus, Blonde, Virginia,. 
Raleigh, and Sandwich armed ship, the Renown bring- 
ing up the rear ; and,^ passing through a severe fire, 
anchored in about two hours under St. James's island, 
with the loss of seventy-two seamen, killed and wound- 
ed. 

The Richmond'^s fore top mast was shot away, and 
the ships in general sustained damage in their masts and 
rigging, though not materially in their hulls. But the 
Acetus transport, having on board some naval stores, 
grounded within gun shot of Sullivan's island, and re- 
ceived so much damage that she was obliged to be aban- 
doned and burnt. 

On the 10th, Sir Henry Clinton, and Admiral Ar- 
buthnot summoned the town to surrender to his majes- 
ty's arms : but Maj. Gen. Lincoln, who commanded in 
Charleston, returned them an answer, declaring it to 
be his intention to defend the place. The batteries 
were now opened against the town ; and from their ef 
12* 



138 HISTORY OP THE 

feet, the iire of the American advanced works cousid-* 
erably abated. 

It appears that the number of troops under the com- 
mmd of Geo. Lincoln were by far too few for defend- 
ing works of such extent as those of Charleston ; and 
thit many of these were men httle accustomed to mili- 
tary service, and very ill provided with clothes and 
oOier necessaries. Gen. Lincoln had been for some 
lime expecting reinforcements and supplies from Vir- 
ginia, and other places ; but they came in very slowly. 

Earl Cornwallis, and Lieut. Col. Tarleton under him, 
were also extremely active in intercepting such rein- 
forcements and supplies as were sent to the American 
general. They totally defeated a considerable body of 
cavalry and miiitia which was proceeding to the relief 
of the town.; and also made themselves masters of some 
posts which gave tkem in a great degree the command 
of the country, by which means, great supplies of pro- 
visions fell into their hands. Tarleton was himself, 
however, defeated in a rencounter with Lieut. Col. 
Washington, at the head of a regular corps of horse. 

Such was the state of things, and Fort Sullivan had al- 
so been taken by the king's troops, when on the 12th 
of May, Gen. Clinton again summoned the town to sur- 
render ; an offer being made, as had been done before, 
that if they surrendered, the lives and property of the 
inhabitants should be preserved to them. Articles of 
capitulation were then proposed by Gen. Lincoln ; but 
the terms were not agreed ta by Gen. Clinton. 

At length,, however, the town being closely invested 
on all sides,^ and the preparations to storm it in every 
part being in great forwardness, and the ships ready to 
move to the assault. Gen. Lincoln, who had been ap- 
plied to for that purpose by the inhabitants, surrender- 
ed it o'n such articles, of capitulation as Gen. Clinton 
had beiore agreed to. This was on the 12th of May, 
which was one month and two days after the town had 
'heen first summoned to surrender. 

% 1 irge quantity of ordnance, arms, and ammunition, 
Ttaa- found in-Ckarleston ; and, according to Sir Henry 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION* 139 

Clinton's account, the number of prisoners taken in 
Charleston amounted to five thousand six hundred and 
eighteen men, exclusive of near a thousand sailors in 
arms ; but, according to Gen. Lincoln's account trans- 
mitted to the congress, the whole number of continent- 
al troops taken prisoners, amounted to no more than 
two thousand four hundred and eighty-seven. The re- 
mainder, therefore, included in Gen. Clinton's account, 
must have consisted of militia and inhabitants of the 
town. Several American frigates were also taken or 
•destroyed in the harbor of Charleston* 

The loss of Charleston evidently excited a consider- 
able alarm in America ; and the popular writers, par- 
ticularly the author of the celebrated performance en- 
titled " Common Sense," in some other pieces, made 
use of it as a powerful argument to lead them to more 
rigorous exertions against Great Britain, that they might 
the more eifectually and certainly secure their inde= 
pendence. 

While Sir Henry Clinton was employed in his voy- 
age to Charleston, and in the siege of that place, the 
garrison' at New- York seem not to have been wholly 
free from apprehensions for their own safety. An in- 
tense frost, accompanied with great fldls of snow, began 
about the middle of December, 1779, and shut up the 
navigation of the port of New-York, from the sea, with-= 
in a few days after the departure of Admiral Arbuthnot 
and Gen. Clinton. 

The severity of the weather increased to so great a 
degree, that towards the middle of January all commu- 
nications with New-York, by water, were entirely cut 
off, and as many new ones opened by the ice. The in- 
habitants could scarcely be stiid to be in an insular state. 
Horses with heavy carriages co^ild go OA'^er the ice in- 
to the Jerseys, from one island to another. 

The passage on the North river, even in the widest 
part, from New- York to Powles Hook, which was two 
thousand yards, was, about the 19th of January, prac- 
ticable for the heaviest cannon : an event which had 
been unknown in the memory of maji, Frovisions- 



140 HISTORY OF TFIE 

were soon afler transported upon sledges, and a detach- 
ment of cavalry marched upon the ice from New- York 
to Staten Island, which was a distance of eleven miles. 

The city of New-York, being thus circumstanced, 
was considered as much exposed to attacks from the 
Arnerican troops ; and it was strongly reported that 
Gen. Washington was meditating a great stroke upon 
New- York with his whole force, by different attacks. 
Some time before this, Maj. Gen. Pattison, command- 
ant at New-York, bavins; received an address from ma- 
ny of the inhabitants, offering to put themselves in mil- 
itary array, he thought the present a iavorable oppor- 
tunity of trying the sincerity of their professions. 

Accordingly he issued a proclamation, calling upon 
all the male inhabitants from the age of sixteen to sixty, 
to take up arms. The requisition was so readily com- 
plied with, that in a few days forty companies, from tbe 
six wards of the city, were enrolled, officered, and un- 
der arms, to the number of two thousand six hundred^ 
many substantial citizens serving in the ranks of each, 
company. Other volunteer companies were formed ; 
and the city was put into a very strong posture of de-- 
fence. 

No attack, however, was made u-pon New-York, 
whatever design might originally have been meditated ; 
but an attempt was made upon Staten Island, where 
there were about one thousand eight hundred men, un- 
der tbe command of Brig. Gen. Sterlings who were 
well entrenched.. Gen. Washington, whose army was 
hutted at Morristown, sent a detachment of two thou- 
sand seven hundred men, with six pieces of cannon, 
two mortars, and some horses, commanded by Lord 
Sterling, who arrived at Statea Island early in the mor- 
ning of the 15th of January, 

The advanced posts of the British troops retired up- 
on the approach of the Americans, who formed the line^ 
and made some movements in the course of the day ; 
but they withdrew in the night, after having burnt one 
house, pillaged some others, and carried off with them 
about two hundred head of cattle. 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 141 

Immediately on the arrival of the Americans on Sta- 
ien Island, Lieut. Gen. Knyphausen had embarked six 
hundred men to attempt a passage and to support Gen, 
SterUng ; but the floating ice compelled them to return. 
It is, however^ imagined, that the appearance of these 
transports, with the British troops on board, which the 
Americans could see towards the close of the day, in- 
duced the latter to make so precipitate a retreat. 

After: Charleston had surrendered to the British 
troops, Gen. Clinton issued proclamations, and also cir- 
culated a handbill among the inhabitants of South-Car- 
olina, in order to induce them to return to their allegi- 
ance, and to be ready to join the king's troops. It was 
said, that the helping hand of every man was wanted, 
to re-establish peace and good government ; and that 
as the commander-in-chief wished not to draw the 
king's friends into danger, while any doubt could re- 
main of their success ; so now, that this was certain, 
he trusted that one and all would heartily join, and by 
a general concurrence, give effect to such necessary 
measures for that purpose, as from time to time might 
be pointed out. 

Those who had families, were to form a militia to re- 
main at home, and occasionally to assemble in their 
own districts, when required, under oflicers of their 
own choosing, for the maintenance of peace and good 
order. Those who had no families, and who could 
conveniently be spared for a time, it was presumed, 
would cheerfully assist his majesty's troops in driving 
their oppressors, acting under the authority of con- 
gress, and all the miseries of war, far from that colony. 

For this purpose it was said to be necessary that the 
young men should be ready to assemble v.^hen requir- 
ed, and to serve with the king's troops for any six of 
the ensuing twelve months that might be found requi- 
site, under proper regulations. They might choose 
officers to each company to command them ; and were 
to be allowed, when on service, pay, ammunition, and 
provisions, in the same manner as the king's troops. 

When they joij[ied the army, each man was to be fur- 



142 HISTORY OP THE 

nished with a certificate, declaring that he was only en- 
gaged to serve as a militia-man for the time specified ; 
that he was not to be marched beyond North-Carolina 
and Georgia ; and that, when the time was out, he was 
freed from all claims whatever of military service, ex- 
cepting the common and usual militia duty where he 
lived. He would then, it was said, have paid his debt 
to his country, and be entitled to enjoy, undisturbed, 
that peace, liberty, and property, at home, which he 
had contributed to secure. 

The proclamations and publications of Gen. Clinton 
appeared to produce some effect in South-Carolina ; 
though they probably operated chiefly upon those who 
were before not much inclined to the cause of Ameri- 
can independence. Two hundred and ten of the in- 
habitants of Charleston signed an address to Gen. CHn- 
ton and Admiral Arbuthnot, soliciting to be re-admitted 
to the character and condition of British subjects, (the 
people ef that city having been hitherto considered as 
prisoners on parole,) declaring their disapprobation of 
the doctrine of American independence, and express- 
ing their regret, that, after the repeal of those statutes 
which gave rise to the troubles in America, the over- 
tures made by his majesty's commissioners had not 
been regarded by the congress. 

Sir Henry Clinton, in one of the proclamations is- 
sued at this time, declared, that if any person or per- 
sons should thenceforward appear in arms, in order to 
prevent the establishment of his majesty's government 
in that colony, or should, under any pretence or au- 
thority whatsoever, attempt to compel any other per- 
son or persons to do so, or should hinder or intimidate 
any of the king's faithful and loyal subjects from join- 
ing his forces, or otherwise performing those duties 
their allegiance required, such person or persons 
should be treated with the utmost severity, and their 
estates be immediately seized in order "to be confis- 
cated. 

In the mean time the ravages of war did not prevent 
the Americans from paying some attention to the arts 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 143 

ef peace. On the 4th of May, 1780, an act was pass- 
ed by the council and house of representatives of Mas- 
sachusetts-Bay, incorporating and esti-bhshing a socie- 
ty for the cultivation and promotion of the arts and 
sciences. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

6on»ress continue to meet in Philadelphia. — Resolution to erect 
a monument to the memory of Gen. Montgomery. — Depre- 
ciation of continental currency. — Celebration of tlie 4th of 
July at Philadelphia, — M. Ternay arrives witii a fleet and 
troops from France. — Unsuccessful expedition to New-Jer- 
sey. — Defeat of the Americans, under Gen. Gates, in South 
Carolina. — Americans under General Sumpter defeated. — 

feOME doubts having arisen in the congress, towards 
the close of the preceding year, about the propriety 
of their assembling in the city of Philadelphia, it was 
now resolved that they should continue to meet there ; 
and a committee of three members was appointed to 
report a suitable place, where buildings might be pro- 
vided for the reception of the congress, together with 
an estimate of the expense of providing such build- 
ings, and the necessary offices for the accommodation 
of the several boardso 

It was also resolved by the congress, that a monu- 
ment should be erected to the memory of their late 
general, Richard Montgomery, who fell at Q,uebec, in 
testimony of his signal and important services to the 
United States of America, with an inscription express- 
ive of his amiable character and heroic achievements ; 
and that the continental treasurers should be directed 
to advance a sum not exceeding three hundred pounds, 
to Dr. Franklin, to defray the expense, that gentleman 
being desired to cause the monument to be executed 
at Paris, or in so:ne other part of France. 

The congress likewise passed a resolution for es- 
tablishing a court for the trial of all appeals from the 
court of admiralty of the United States of America, 



144 HISTORY OF THE 

in cases of capture ; to consist of three judges, to be 
appointed and commissioned by congress, and who 
were to take an oath of office ; and that the trials in 
this court should be determined by the usage of na- 
tions. 

The difficulties of the congress, and of the people 
•f America, had been greatly increased by the depre- 
ciation of their paper currency. At the time when 
the colonies engaged in the war with Great Britain, 
they had no regular civil governments established 
among them, of sufficient energy to enforce the col- 
lection of taxes, or to provide funds for the redemp- 
tion of such bills of credit as their necessities obliged 
them to issue. 

In consequence of this state of things, their bills in- 
creased in quantity, far beyond the sum necessary for 
the purpose of a circulating medium ; and, as they 
wanted, at the same time, specific funds to rest on for 
their redemption, they saw their paper currency daily 
sink in value. The depreciation continued, by a kind 
of gradual progression, from the year 1777 to 1780 ; 
so that, at the latter period, the continental bills were 
passed, by common consent, in most parts of America, 
at a discount of about ninety per cent, below their 
nominal value. 

The impossibility of keeping up the credit of the 
currency to any fixed standard, occasioned great and 
almost insurmountable embarrassments in ascertaining 
the value of property, or carrying on trade, with any 
sufficient certainty. Those who sold, and those who 
bought, were left without a rule by which to form a 
judgment of their profit or loss ; and every species of 
commerce or exchange, whether foreign or domestic, 
was exposed to numberless and increasing difficulties. 

The consequences of the depreciation of the paper 
currency were also felt with peculiar severity by such 
of the Americans as were engaged in the military ser- 
vice, and greatly augmented their other hardships. 
The requisitions made by the congress, to the several 
states, for supplies, were also far from being always 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 145 

regularly complied with ; and the troops were not un- 
frequently in want of the most common necessaries, 
which naturally occasioned complaints and discoDtent 
among them. Some of these dilficulties, resulting 
from their circumstances and situation, perha})s no hu- 
man wisdom could have prevented ; but they seem to 
have arisen, in part, from the congress not l^eing suili- 
ciently acquainted with the principles oi" fmance, and 
from a defect of system in the departments of their 
government. 

The cause of the Am.ericuns appears also to have 
suffered considerably from their depending too mnch 
on temporary enlistments. But the congress en<lo;iv- 
ored, towards the close of the year 178U, to put their 
army upon a more permanent footing, and to give all 
the satisfaction to their officers and soldiers which their 
circumstances would permit. They appointed a com- 
mittee for arranging their finances, and made some new 
regulations respecting the war office and treasury board, 
and other public departments. 

Notwithstanding the disadvantages under which 
they labored ; the Americans seemed to entertain no 
doubts but that they should be able to maintain their in- 
dependence. The 4th of July was celebrated this 
year, at Philadelphia, with some pomp, as the anniver- 
sary of American independence. A commencement for 
conferring degrees in the arts vvas heid the saisie day, 
in the hall of the university there ; at whicli the presi- 
dent and members of the congress attended, and other 
persons in public office. 

The Chevalier de la Luzerne, minister plenipotentia- 
ry from the French king to the United States, was al- 
so present on the occasron. A charge was publicly ad- 
dressed by the provost of the university to the students, 
in which, he said, that he could not but congratulate 
them "on that auspicious day, which, amidst the con- 
fusions and desolations of war, beheld learning begin- 
ning to revive ; and animated them with the plctsing 
prospect of seeing the sacred lamp of science burning 
with a still brighter flame, and scattering its invigorating 
13 



146 HISTORY OF TWt. 

rays over the. unexplored desarts of this extensive conti- 
nent ; until the whole world should be involved in the 
united bhize of knowledge, libert}'-, and religion. 

" When he stretched his views forward (he said) and 
Siirvejed the rising glories of America, the enriching 
consequences of their determined struggle for hberty, 
the extensive fields of intellectual improvement and 
useful invention, in science and arts, in a;^riculture and 
commerce, in religion and governmei^t, through which 
the unfettered mind would range, with increasing de- 
light, in quest of the undiscovered treasure, which yet 
lay concealed in the animal, vegetable, and mineral 
kingdoms of the new world, or in the other fertile 
sources of knowledge with which it abounded — his 
heart swelled with the pleasing p^-ospect, that the sons 
>if that institution would distinguish themselves, in the 
liilferent walks of life, by their literary contributions 
to the embellishments and increase of human happi- 
ness." 

On the 10th of July, M. Ternay, with a fleet of 
seven ships of the line and several frigates, and a large 
body of French troops, commanded by the Count de 
Rocii?imbeau, arrived at Rhode-Island ; and on the 
following day six thousand men were landed there. A 
committee from the general assembly of Rhode-Island 
was appointed to wait upon the French general, and 
congratulate him on his arrival ; whereupon he re- 
turned an answer, in which he informed them that the 
king his master had sent him to the assistance of his 
good and faithful allies, the United States of America. 
At present, he said, he only brouglit the vanguard of a 
much greater force destined for their aid ; and the king 
of France' had ordered him to assure the people of 
.\merica, that his whole power should be exerted for 
their support. He added, that the French troops were 
iijider the strictest discipline ; and, acting under the 
orders of Gen. Washington, they would live with the 
Americans as their brethren. 

A scheme was soon after formed, by Sir Henry 
•Clinton and Admiral Arbuthnot, of making a combined 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 147 

attack against the French fleet and troops at Rhode- 
Island. Accordingly, a considerable part of the troops 
at New- York were embarked for that purpose. Gen. 
Washington, having received information of this, pass- 
ed the North river, by a very rapid movement, and, 
with an army of twelve thousand men, proceeded with 
celerity towards King's Bridge, in order to attack New- 
York ; but learning that the British general had chan^ 
ged his intention and disembarked his troops. General 
Washington re-crossed the river, and returned to his 
former station ; and Gen. Clinton and the admiral re- 
linquished their intended attack on Rhode-Island, as 
impracticable for the present. 

An unsuccessful attempt was likewise m.ade abon^ 
this time, in the Jerseys, hy Gen. Knyphausen. — 
With seven thousand British troops under his com- 
mand, he undertook to surprize the advanced posts of 
Gen. Washington's army. For this purpose he pro- 
ceeded very rapidly towards Springheld, meeting but 
little opposition till he came to the bridge at that place, 
which was gallantly defended against his army, by a, 
small party of Americans, not exceeding one hundred 
and seventy ; but the latter were obliged to give up so 
janequal a contest, after losing thirty-seven men. 

After securing this pass, the British troops marched 
into the town, and set fire to most of the houses. — 
They also committed some other depredations in the 
Jerseys, but gained no laurels there, being obliged t^ 
return, about the middle of July, without effecting any 
thing material. 

In South-Carolina the royal arms met with more 
success. Earl Cornwallis, who commanded the British 
troops there, obtained a signal victory orer Gen. Gates, 
on the 16th of August. The action began at break of 
day, in a situation very advantageous fof the British 
troops, but very unfavorable to the Americans. The 
latter were much more numerous ; but the ground on 
which both armies stood was narrowed by swamps on 
the right and left, so that the Americans could not avail 
themselves properly of their superior numbers. 



148 HISTORY OF THE 

There seems to have some want of generalship on 
the part of Gates, in suffering himself to be surprized 
ill so disadvantageous a position. But this circumstance 
was the effect of accident ; for both armies set out 
with a design of att;icking each other, precisely at the 
same time, at ten o'clock the preceding evening, and 
met together before day-iiji;ht, at the place where the 
action happened. 

The attack was made by tlie British troops, with 
great vigor, and in a few minutes the action was gene- 
ral along the whole line. It was at this time a dead 
calm, with a little haziness in the air, which prevented 
the smoke from rising, and occasioned so thick a dark- 
ness that it was difficult to see the effect of a heavy 
and well-supported fire on both sides. The British 
troops either kept up a constant fire, or made use of 
bayonets, as opportunities offered ; and after an obsti- 
nate resistance of three quarters of an hour, threw the 
Americans into total confusion, and forced them to give 
way in all quarters. 

The continental troops behaved remarkably well, 
but the militia were soon broken, leaving the former 
to oppose the whole force of the 33ritish troops. Gen. 
Gates did all in his power to rally the militia, but with- 
out effect : the continentals retreated in some order ; 
but the rout of the militia was so groat, that the Brit- 
ish cavalry continued the pursuit of them to the dis- 
tance of twenty-two miles iiom the place of action. 

The loss of the Americans, on this occasion, was 
very considerable ; about one thousand prisoners were 
taken, and more than that number were said to have 
been killed and wounded, although the number was not 
very accurately ascertained. Seven *)ieces of brass 
cannon, various stands of colors, and all the ammuni- 
tion waggons of the Americans, fell into the hands of 
the. enemy. Among the prisor^rs taken, was Major- 
General the Baron de Kalb, a Prussian officer in the 
American service, who was mortally wounded, after 
exhibiting great gallantry in the course of the action, 
having received eleven wgunds. Of tlie British troops^ 



ABIRRICAN REVOLUTION. 



149 



the number of killed and wounded amounted to two 
hundred and thirteen. 

Lieut. Col. Tarleton, who had greatly distinojuished 
himself in this action, was detached on the following 
day, with a body of cavalry and light infantry, amount- 
ing to about three hundred and fifty men, to attack a 
corps of Americans under Gen. Sumpter. He exe- 
cuted this sQrvice with great activity and military ad- 
dress. Having procured good information of Sump- 
ter's movements, by forced and concealed marches, he 
came up with and surprized him in the middle of the 
day, near Catawba fords, and totally destroyed or dis- 
persed his detachment, which consisted of seven hun- 
dred men, killing one hundred and fifty, and taking 
about three hundred prisoners, together with two pie- 
ces of brass cannon, and forty -four waggons. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Treachery of Gen. Arnold, who joins the British army. — Major 
Andre taken and executed as a spy.-^Defeat of the British 
and tories under Maj. Ferg^uson. — Gen. Sumpter agfain de- 
feated. — Mr. Laurens taken and confined in London, on a 
charge of hig^h treason. — Disturbance amon^ the Pennsylva- 
nia troops. — Defeat of the British under Col. Tarleton. 

JVOT long after these events, means were found to 
seduce Maj. Gen. Arnold, who had engaged so ardent- 
ly in the cause of America, and who had exhibited so 
much bravery, on various occasions, from the interests 
of the congress. Maj. Andre, adjutant-general to the 
British army, was a principal agent in this transaction ; 
or, if the overture of joining the king's troops came 
first from Arnold, this gentleman was the person em- 
ployed to concert the affmr with him. 

More must have been originally comprehended in 
the scheme, than the mere desertion of the American 
cause by Arnold : the surrender of West-Point into 
the hands of the British army, was the probable ob- 
ject ; but whatever designs had been formed for pro- 
13* 



150 HISTORY or THE 

moting the views of the British government, they 
were frustrated by the apprehending of Major Andre. 
He was taken in disguise, after having assumed a false 
name, on the 23d of September, by three American 
soldiers, to whom he offered considerable rewards to 
induce them to suffer him to escape, but without effect. 
Several papers written by Arnold were found upon 
him ; and xvhen Arnold had learned that Andre was 
seized, he found means to get on board a barge, and 
to escape to one of the king's ships. 

Ge:i. Washington referred the case of Maj. Andre 
to tlie examination and decision of a board of general 
officers, consisting of Maj. Gen. Green, Maj. Gen% 
Lord Sterling, Maj. Gen. the Marquis de la Fayette, 
Blaj. Gen. the Baron de Steuben, two other major- 
generals, raid eight brigadier-generals. Major Andre 
^; as examined before them-, and the particulars of his 
case inquired into ; and they reported to the American 
commander-in-chief, that Maj. Andre came on shore 
from the Vulture sloop of war, in the night, on an in- 
terview with Gen. Arnold, in a private and secret man- 
ner ; that he changed his dress within the American 
lines ; and, under a feigned name, and in a disguised 
]iabit, passed the American works at Stony and Ver- 
plank's Points, on the evening of the 22d of September^ 
that he was taken on the morning of the 23d, at Tarry- 
town, he being then on his way for New- York ; and 
that, v.hon taken, he had in his possession several pa- 
pers which contained intelligence for the enemy. — 
They t'nerefore determined, that he ought to be consid- 
ered as a spy from the enemy ; and that, agreeable to 
the law and usage of nations, he ought to suffer death. 

Sir Henry Clinton, Lieut. Gen. Robertson, and the 
late American Gen. Arnold, all wrote pressing letters 
to Gem Washington on the occasion, in order to pre- 
vent the decision of the board of general officers from 
being put in force ; but their applications were ineffec- 
tual. Maj. Andre was hanged at Tappan, in the state 
of New- York, on the 2d of October, 1780. He met 
his fate with great firmness ; but appeared somewhat. 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 151 

hurt that he was not allowed a more military death, for 
which he had solicited. 

Maj. Andre was a geatleman of very amiable quali- 
ties, had a taste for literature and the fine arts, and pos- 
sessed many accomplishments. His death, therefore^ 
was regretted even by his enemies ; and the seeming 
severity of the determination concerning him, was much 
exclaimed against in Great Britain. It was, however, 
generally acknowledged by impartial persons, that 
there was nothing in the execution of this unfortunate 
gentleman but what was perfectly consonant to the 
rules of war. 

Arnold was made a brigadier-general in the king's 
service, and published an address to the inhabitants of 
America, dated at New- York, October 7th, in which he 
endeavored to justify his desertion of their cause. He 
said, that when he first engaged in it, he conceived the 
rights of his country to be in danger, and that duty and 
honor called him to her defence. A redress of griev- 
ances was his only aim and object ; and therefore he 
acquiesced unwillingly in the declaration of independ- 
ence, because he thought it precirutate. But,. what now 
induced him to desert their cause, was the disgust he 
had conceived at the French alliance, and at the refus- 
al of congress to comply with the last terms offered by 
Great Britain, which he thought equal t© all their ex- 
pectations, and to all their wishes. 

The Americans, however, accounted for the conduct 
of Arnold, in a different and in a more probable and 
satisfactory manner. They alleged that he had" so in- 
volved himself in debts and difficulties by his extrava- 
gant manner of living in America, that he had rendered 
it very inconvenient for him to continue there ; that af- 
ter the evacuation of Philadelphia by the British troops, 
Arnold, being invested with the command in that city, 
had made the house of Mr. Penn, which Avas the best 
in the city, his head quarters. 'J'his he had furnished 
in an elegant and expensive manner, and lived in a 
style far beyond his income. 

It was manifest, they Kaid, that ho could at first hayp 



15^ HISTORY OF THE 

00 great aversion to the French alliance, because thafc 
when M. Gerard, minister plenipotentiary from the 
court of France, arrived at Philadelphia, in July, 1778, 
Gen. Arnold early and earnestly soHcited that minis- 
ter, with his whole suite, to take apartments and bed 
and board at his house, until a proper house could be 
provided by order of congress. This offer M. Gerard 
accepted, and continued with nim some weeks. 

The French minister resided upwards of fourteen 
months in Philadelphia ; during which time Gen. Ar- 
nold kept up a most friendly and intimate acquaintance 
with him, and there was a continual interchange of din- 
ners, balls, routes, and concerts : so that M. Gerard 
must have be-lieved, that in Gen. Arnold he had found 
and left one of the warmest friends the court of France 
had in America. He was also one of the first in con- 
gratulating the Chevalier de la Luzerne, the second 
French minister. 

About this time, complaints and accusations were ex- 
hibited against him by the government of Philadelphia, 
for divers mal-practices ; among which charges were^ 
the appropriation of goods and merchandize to his own 
use, which he had seized as British property in Phila- 
delphia, in July, 1778. It was determined by a court 
martial, that his conduct was highly reprehensible ; but 
he was indulgently treated, and was therefore only rep- 
rimanded by the commander-in-chief, Gen. AVashing- 
ton. It was in these circumstances, the Americans said, 
bankrupted in reputation and fortune, loaded with 
de-its, and having a growing and expensive family, that 
Gen. Arnold first turned liis thoughts towards joinings 
the royal arms. 

After the defeat of Gen. Gates by Earl Cornwallis, 
that nobleman exerted himself to the utmost in extend- 
ing the progress of the British arms, and with consider-- 
€ible effect. But one enterprize, which was conducted 
by Mij. Ferguson, proved unsuccessful. That officer 
had taken abundant pains to discipline some of the tory 
militia, as they were termed ; and with a party of these,, 
and some British troops, amounting in the whele t© 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 153 

about fourteen hundred men, made incursions into the 
country. But on the 7th of October, he was attacked 
by a superior body of Americans, at a -place called 
King's Mountain, and totally defeated. One hundred 
and fifty were killed in the action, and eight hundred 
and ten made prisoners, of whom one hundred and fif- 
ty were wounded. Fifteen hundred stands of arms fell 
into the hands of the Americans, whose loss was incon- 
siderable. 

But the following month Lieut. Col. Tarleton, with 
a party of one hundred and seventy, chiefly cavalry, 
attacked Gen. Sumpter, who is said to have had one 
thousand men, at a place called Black-Stocks, and 
obliged him to retire. Sumpter was wounded, and 
about one hundred and twenty of the Americans killed, 
wounded, or taken. Of the British troops, about fifty 
were killed and wounded. 

On the 3d of September, the Mercury, a congress 
packet, was taken by the Vestal, Capt. Keppel, near 
Newfoundland. On board of this packet was Mr. Lau- 
rens, late president of the congress, who was bound on 
an embassy to Holland, He had thrown his papers 
overboard, but a great part of them were recovered, 
without having received much damage. He was car- 
pied to London, and examined before the privy coun- 
cil ; in consequence of which, he was committed close 
prisoner to the Tower, on a charge of high treason.— 
His papers were delivered to thQ ministry, and contri- 
buted to facilitate a rupture with Holland, as among 
them was found the sketch of a treaty of amity and 
commerce between the repubUc of Holland and the 
United States of America. 

In the beginning of the year 1781, an affair happen- 
ed in America, from which expectations were formed 
by Sir Henry Clinton, that some considerable advan- 
tage might be derived to the royal cause. The long 
continuance of the war, and the difficulties under which 
the congress labored, had prevented their troops from 
being properly supplied with necessaries and conven- 
iences. In consequence of this, on the 1st of January^ 



154 HISTORY OF THE 

the American troops that were hutted at Morristowu^ 
and who formed what was called the Pennsylvania line, 
turned out, -being in number thirteen hundred, and de- 
clared, that they would serve no longer, unless their 
grievances were redressed, as they had not received 
their pay, or been furnished with the necessary cloth- 
ing or provisions. 

It is said, that they were somewhat inflamed with 
liquor, in consequence of rum having been distributed 
to them more liberally than usual — new-year's day be- 
ing considered as a kind of festival, A riot ensued, in 
which an officer was killed, and four wounded ; five or 
six of the insurgents were also wounded. They then 
collected the artillery, stores, provisions, and waggons^ 
and marched out of the camp. 

They marched by the quarters of Gen. Wayne, who 
sent a message to them, requesting them to desist, or the 
consequences would prove fatal. They refused, and 
proceeded on their march till the evening, when they 
took post on an advantageous piece of ground, and elect- 
ed officers from among themselves. On the 2d, they 
marched to Middlebrook, and on the 3d to Princeton, 
where they fixed their quarters. 

On that day a flag of truce was sent to them from the 
officers of the American camp, with a message, desir= 
ing to know what were their intentions. Some of them 
answered, that they had already served longer than the 
time for which they were enlisted, and would serve no 
longer ; and others, that they would not return, unless 
their grievances were redressed. But at the same 
time they repeatedly, and in the strongest terms, de^ 
nied being influenced by the least disaffection to the 
American cause, or having any intentions of deserting 
to the enemy. 

Intelligence of this transaction was soon convej^ed to 
New- York. A large body of English troops were im-. 
mediately ordered to hold themselves in readiness to. 
move on the shortest notice, it being hoped that die 
American revolters might be induced to join the royal 
army. Messenger? were also sent to them from Gen.. 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Ib'^ 

Clintoft, acquainting them that they should directly be 
taken under the protection of the British government ; 
that they should iiave a free pardon for all former of^ 
fences ; and that the pay due to them from the congress, 
should be faithfaily paid them, without any expectation 
of military service, unless it should be voluntary, upon 
condition of their laying down their arms, and return- 
ing to their allegiance. It was also recommended to 
them to move beyond the South river ; and they were 
assured, that a body of British troops should be ready 
to protect them whenever they desifed it. 

These propositions were rejected with disdain ; and 
they even delivered up two of Sir Henry CHnton's mes- 
sengers to the congress. Joseph lieid, Esq. president 
of the state of Pennsylvania, afterwards repaired to 
them at Princeton, ami an accommodation took J)lace. 
Such of them as had served out their full terms, were 
permitted to return to their homes ; and the others 
again joined the American army, upon receiving satis- 
factory assurances that their grievances should be re- 
dressed. 

Lord Cornwallis now began to make very vigorous 
exertions, in order to penetrate into North-Carolina. 
On the 1 1th of January his lordship's army was in mo- 
tion, and advancing towards that state ; but was some- 
what delayed by an attem|jt made by the Americans, 
under Gen. Morgan, to make themselves masters of 
the valuable district of Ninety-six. 

In order to prevent this. Lord Cornwallis detached 
Lieut. Col. Tarleton, with three hundred cavalry, three 
hundred light inflmtry, the seventh regiment, the first 
battalion of the seventy-first regiment, and two three- 
pounders, to oppose the progress of Morgan, not doubt- 
ing that he would be able to perform this service ef- 
fectually. The British troops came up with the Amer- 
icans under Gen. Morgan on the 17th of January. 

The Americans, two thirds of whom were militia, 
were drawn up in an open wood, at a place called the 
Cowpens, near Facolet river. The British, besides 



156 HISTORY OP THE 

their field-pieces, had the advantage of five to four m 
infantry, and of more that three to one in cavahy. 

The attack was begun by the first fine of infantry, 
consisting of the seventh regiment, and a corps of hght 
infantry, witha troop of cavalry placed on each flank. 
The first battalion of the seventy-first, and the remain- 
der of the cavalry, formed the reserve. 

The American line soon gave vi^ay, and their militia 
quitted the field ; upon which the royal troops, sup- 
posing the victory already gained, engaged with ardor 
in the pursuit, and were thereby thrown into some dis- 
order. Gen. Morgan's corps, who were supposed to 
have been routed, then immediately faced about, and 
threw in a heavy fire upon the king's troops, which 
occasioned the utmost confusion among them ; and they 
were at length totally defeated by the Americans. 

Four hundred of the British infantry were either 
killed, wounded, or taken prisoners ; the loss of the 
cavalry was much less considerable ; but the two three- 
pounders fell into the hands of the Americans, together 
with the colors of the seventh regiment ; and all the 
detachment of royal artillery were either killed or 
wounded in defence of their colors. 

Lieut. Col. Tarleton then retreated to Hamilton's 
ford, near the mouth of Bullock's creek, carrying with 
him part of his baggage, and destroying the remainder. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Lord Cornwalhs crosses North-Carolina, and erects the king's 
standard at Hillsborough.^ — Tories defeated by the Americans. 
— British under Gen. Arnold destroy stores, &;c. at Richmond. 
— Cannon foundry at Westham destroyed. — British enter 
Wilmington. — Battle between the British under Lord Corn- 
wallis and Americans under Gen. Greene, in which the latter 
is defeated. — Gen. Greene again defeated by LordRawdon. — 
Destruction of stores, &c. in various parts of Virginia. 

The defeat of the troops under Lieut. Col. Tarleton 
was a severe stroke to Lord Cornwallis, as the loss of 
his light infantry was a great disadvantage to him. The 



AMERICAN KEVOLLTiON. 15i 

day after the event, he employed in collertin i ihe re- 
mains of Tarleton's corp^ , and in endeuvorin^ lo fon.* 
a junction with Gen. Leslie, who had been ordered to 
march towards him with a body of British troops from 
Wynnesburgh. Considerable exertions were th^ii 
made by part of the army, without l>a:. unge, to reiaivc 
the prisoners in the hands of the >!; ; i iciuis, and to in- 
tercept Gen. Morgan's corps, oix il-^ .-treat lo the Ca- 
tawba. 

But that Amerlc^m officer, after his defeat of Tarle- 
ton, had made forced marches up into the country, nnd 
crossed the Catawba the evo- !; - ' ■■ — '-■ ■ :-i-<:--\ r-i;., 
which swelled the ri". c :■ in s : ^^. lo pre- 

vent the British army from Gi(j;-HUi;Li; ••;;■ scyerai days ■; 
during which time the British prisoners were got over 
the Yadkin ; whence they proceeded to Dan river, 
which they also passed, and, on the 14th of Februar}^ 
had reached Court-hou^e. la tlie state of Virginia. 

Lord Cornwallis employed a halt of tv/o days in col- 
lecting some flour, and in destroying supertluous bag- 
gage, and ail his waggons, excepting those laden with 
hospital stores, salt, and amm«ini-':0!i. -nd four reserved 
empty, in readiness for sick or - '',: '. ;[. Being thus 
freed from all minece.=;s;iry mc' <, he marched 

through North-Carolina with <: ; ity, and pene> 

trated to the remotest ex;. ^_' -ii;.- of that state, on the 
banks of the Dan. liis progic-.; w is -oiiietimes imped- 
ed by parties of the militia, and •^oiV': s'virmishes ensu- 
ed, but he met with no very con;-i;: ■,• J-le opposition. 

On the first of February, the British troops crossed 
the CatHvvba at i^FCowan's Ford, where Gen. D.ivid- 
son, witii a party of American militia, was posted, ii'T 
order to oppose their pa.ssage ; but he falling by the 
first discharge, the royal troops made &;ood their land- 
ing, and tlje militia retre i.ted. When Lord Cornwalhs 
arrived at Hillsborough, he ereclc I the kia^^'s standard, 
and invited, by proclamation, all lo;,:.! subjects to re- 
pair to it, and to stand fordi and tak- an active part in 
assisting Ids lordship to restore order and government. 

He had been taught to believe that the kint.';'s friends 
11 



158 HISTORY OF THE 

were numerous in that part of the country : but the 
event did not eontiria the truth of the representations 
that had been given. The royahsts were but few in 
number, and some of them too timid to join the king's 
standard. There were, indeed, about two hundred, 
who were proceeding to Hillsborough, under Col. Pyle, 
in order to avow their attachment to the royal cause ; 
but they were met accidentally, and surrounded by a 
detachment of the American army, by whom a number 
of them are said to have been lulled when they were 
begging for quarters, without making the least resist- 
ance. 

Meanwhile Gen. Greene was marching with great 
expedition, with the troops under his command, in or- 
der to form a junction with other corps of Ameirican 
troops, that he might thereby be enabled to put some 
effectual stop to the progress of Lord CornwaUis. 

In other places, some considerable advantages were 
obtained by the royal arms. On the 4th of January, 
gome ships of war, with a number of transports, on 
board of wliich was a large body of troops, under the 
command of Brig. Gen. Arnold, arrived at Westover, 
about one hundred and forty miles from the Capes of 
Virginia, where the troops immediately landed, and 
inarched to Richmond ; which they reached without 
opposition, the militia that was collected having retreat- 
ed on their approach. 

Lieut. Col. Simcoe marched from hence, with a de- 
tachment of British troops, to Westham, where they 
destroyed one of the finest foundries for cannon in 
America, and a large quantity of stores and cannon. — 
Gen. Arnold, on his arrival at Richmond, found there 
large (piantities of salt, rum, sail-cloth, and tobacco, the 
last of which he destroyed to a very great amount. 
The Britisii troops afterwards attacked and dispersed 
some small parties of the Americans, took some stores 
arid a few pieces of cannon, and on the 20th of January 
marched into Portsmouth. 

On the 25th, Capt. Barclay, with several ships of 
war, and a body of troops under the command of Maj, 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 159 

Craig, arrived in Cape Fear river. The troop? landed 
about nine miles from Wilmington, and on the 28(h en- 
tered that town. It was understood that their having 
possession of that town, and being masters of Cape 
Fear river, would be productive of very beneficial ef- 
fects to Lord Cornwallis' army. 

Gen. Greene, having effected a junction about the- 
10th of March, with a continental regiment of wliat 
were called eighteen months men, and tvro large bodies 
of militia, belonging to Virginia and North-Carolina, 
formed a resolution to attack the British troops under 
the command of Lord Cornwailis. The American ar- 
my marched from High Rock Ford on the 12th of the 
month, and on the 14th arrived at Guilford. 

Lord Cornwailis, from the information he had receiv- 
ed of the motions of the American general, concluded 
what were his designs. As they approached more 
nearly to each other, a few skirmishes ensued betnecH 
some advanced parties, in which the advantai^e wari 
sometimes g.iincd by the Aoiericans, and sojnetiiiies by 
the British. 

On the morning of the 15th, Lord Cornwailis march- 
ed with his troops at day-break, in order to meet the 
Americans, or to attack them in their encampment. — 
About four miles from Guilford, the advanced guard of 
the British army, commtnded by Lieut. Col. Tarleton, 
fell in with a corps of the Americans, consisting of 
Lieut. Col. Lee's legion, some Back Mountain men, 
and Virginia militia, with whom he had a severe skir- 
mish, and was at length obliged to retreat. 

The^grenter part of the country in which the action 
happened was a wilderness, with a few cleared fields 
interspersed. The American army was posted on a 
rising ground, about a mile and a half from Guilford 
court-house. It was drawn up in three lines : the 
front line was composed of the North-Carolina militia, 
under the command of Generals Butler and Eaton ; the 
second line, of Virginia militia, commanded by Gene- 
pals Stevens and Lawson, forming two brigades ; the 
third line, consisting of two brigades, one of Virginia, 



160 HISTORY OP THE 

and one oi' Miirylarid continental troops, commauded bj 
Gen. linger and Col. Williams. 

Lieut. Col. Wcsshington, With the dragoons of the first 
iiad third regiments, a detachment of light infantry, 
composed of continental troops, and a regiment of riile- 
men under Col. Lynch, formed a corps of observation 
for the security/ of their right tl-uik. Lieut. Col. Lee, 
?vith his legiort, a detachment of liglst infantry, and a 
corps of riflemen under CoL Campbell, formed a corps 
of oboorv-ation for the secyriiy of their left iiank. 

The attack of the American army was directed by 
Lox^d Cornwallis, to be made ia the following order : — 
On the right, the regiment of Bose, and the seventy- 
jSrst regiment, led by ^'laj. Gen. Leslie, and supported 
by the iirwl battaliori of guards ; on the left, the twen- 
;v-third and thirty-third regiments, led by Lieut. CoL 
Webster, and supported by the grenadiers and second 
battalion of guards commanded by Brig. Gen. O'Hara ; 
the Yagers and light inf>mtry of the guards, remained 
m a wood on the left of the guns, and the cavalry in the 
road, reidy to act as circumstances might require. 

About half an hour after one in the afternoon, the 
action commenced by a cannonade, which lasted about 
twenty minutes ; wlien the British troops advanced in 
three coliimns, and attacked the North- Carolina brig- 
ades with great vigor, and soon obliged a part of these 
troops to quit the field ; but the Virginia militia gave 
them a warm reception, and kept up a heavy fire for a 
long time, till, being beaten back, the action became 
general almost every where. The American corps 
under Colonels Washington and Lee, were also warmly 
engaged, and did considerable execution- 
Lieut. Col. Tarleton had directions to keep his cav- 
alry compact, and not to charge without positive orders, 
excepting to protect any of the corps from the most ev- 
ident danger of being defeated. The excessive thick- 
ness of the woods rendered the British bayonets of lit- 
tie use, and enabled the broken corps of the Americans 
to make frequent stands with an irregular fire. 

The second battalion of the guards first gained the 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 161 

dear ground near Goilford court-house, and found a 
corps of continental infantry, superior in number, form- 
ed in an open field near the road. Desirous of signal- 
izing themselves, they immediately attacked and soon 
defeated them, taking two six-pounders ; but as they 
pursued the Americans into the woods with two mn h 
ardor, they were thrown into confusion by a heavy 
fire, and instantly charged and driven back into the 
field by Lieut. Col. Washington's dragoons, with the 
loss of the two six-pounders they had taken. But the 
American cavalry were afterwards repulsed, and the 
two six-pounders again fell into the hands of the Brit- 
ish troops. ' 

The British troops, having at length broken the sec- 
ond Maryland regiment, and turned the left flank oT 
the Americans, got into the rear of the Virginia brig- 
ade, and appeared to be gaining their right, which 
would have encircled the whole of the continental 
troops, when Gen. Greene thought it prudent to order 
a retreat. 

Many of the American militia dispersed in the woods, 
but the continental troops retreated in good order, to 
Reedy Fork river, and crossed at the ford about three 
miles from the field of action, and there halted. When 
they had collected their stragglers, they retreated to 
the iron works, ten miles distant from Guilford, where 
they encamped. They lost their artillery, and tw© 
waggons laden with ammunition. 

It was a hard fought action, and lasted an hour and a 
half Of the British troops, the loss, a^ stated by Lord 
Cornwallis, was five hundred and thirty-two killed, 
wounded, and missing. Gen. Greene, in his account 
•of the action transmitted to the congress, stated the loss 
of the continental troops, to amount to three htmdred 
and twenty-nine killed, wounded, and missing; l^ut he 
made no estimate of the loss of the mihtia, which was 
somewhat more than one hundred. 

Lieut. Col. Stuart was killed in the action ; and Lieut 
Col. Webster, and Captains Schutz, Maynard, and 
Goodrich, died of the wounds that they had received 
t4* 



162 HISTORY OF THE 

in it. Brig. Gen. O'Hara, Brig. Gen. Howard, aad 
Lieut. Col. Tarleton, were also wounded. Of the 
Americans, the principal officer killed was Maj. An- 
derson, of the Maryland line, and Generals Stevens 
and Huger were wounded. 

The British troops underwent great hardships in the 
course of this campaign ; and in a letter of Lord Corn- 
wailis to Lord George Germaine., dated March 17th, he 
observed, that " the soldiers. had been three days with-^ 
out bread." His lordship quitted Guilford three days 
after the battle which was fought in that place ; and 
on the 7th of April, after a retreat marked with proofs 
of great alarm and precipitation, arrived in the neigh- 
borhood of Wilmington. 

Soon after, Gen. Greene, notwithstanding his late de- 
feat, endeavored to make some vigorous attempts 
against the king's forces in South- Carolina. Lord 
Rawdon had been appointed to defend the post of Cam- 
den, with about eight hundred British and provincials ; 
and on the 19th of April Gen. Greene appeared before 
that place, with a large body of continentals and militia. 
He found it, however, impossible to attempt to storm 
the tovvn with any prospect of success ; and therefore 
ondeavored to take such a position as should induce the 
British troops to sally from their works. 

He posted the Americans about a mile from the town, 
on an eminence which was covered with wood, and 
flanked on the left by an impassable swamp. But on 
the morning of the 25th, Lord Rawdon marched out 
of Camden, and attacked Gen. Greene in his camp.— 
I'lie Americans made a vigorous resistance, but were 
at length compelled to give way ; and the pursuit is 
aaid to have been continued three miles. 

For some time after the action commenced, Gen. 
Greene entertained great hopes of defeating the Brit- 
ish troops ; in which, as the Americans were superior 
in point of numbers, he would probably have succeed- 
ed, had not some capital military errors been commit- 
ted by one or two of the officers who served under 
kim. On the American side, CoL Washington had be- 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 16S' 

haved extremely well in this action, having made up- 
wards of two hundred of the English prisoners, with 
ten or twelve officers, before he perceived that the 
Americans were abandoning the field of battle. 

The loss of the English was about one hundred kill- 
ed and wounded. Upwards of one hundred Americans 
were taken prisoners ; and, according to the account 
published by Gen. Greene, they had one hundred and 
twenty-six killed and v/ounded. Atler this action. Gen. 
Greene retreated to Rugeley's mills, twelve miles from 
Camden, in order to collect his troops and wait for re- 
inforcements. 

Notwithstanding the advantage which Lord Rawdon 
had obtained over Gen. Greene at Camden, that noble- 
man soon after found it necessary, having burned the 
jail, mills, many private houses, and a part of his own 
baggage, to quit that post ; and the Americans made 
themselves masters of several other posts that were oc- 
cupied by the king's troops, and the garrisons of which 
w^ere obliged to surrender themselves prisoners of war. 
These troops were afterwards exchanged under a car- 
tel which took place between Lord Cornwallis and 
Gen. Greene, for the releaseof all prisoners of war in 
the southern district. 

After these events. Gen. Greene laid close siege to 
Ninety-six, which was considered as the most com- 
manding and important of all the posts in the back 
country; and on the i9th of June he attempted to 
storm the garrison, but was repulsed by the gallantry of 
the British troops, with the loss of about one hundred 
and lifty killed, wounded, and missing. Gen. Greene 
then raised the siege, and retired with his army behind 
the Saluda, to a strong situation, within sixteen miles 
of Ninety-six. 

On the 18th of April, alai^e boJy of British troops, 
under the command of Maj. Gen. Phillips and Brig. 
Gen. Arnold, embarked at Portsnioiit];, in Virginia, in 
order to proceed on an expedition ihr the ] urpose of 
ilestroying some of the American stores. A party of 
light infantry were sent ten or twelve miles i?p the- 



IM HISTORY OP THE 

Gliickahomany ; v/here they destroyed sereral firmed 
siiips, sundry ware-houses, and the A:rierican state ship 
yards. At Petersburgh, the English destroyed four 
thousand ho-jsheads of tobacco, one ship, and a number 
of small vessels on the stocks and in the river. 

At Chestertield court-house, they burnt a range of 
barracks for two thousand men, and three hundred 
barrels of flour. At a place called Osborn's, they made 
themselves masters of several vessels loaded with cord- 
age and flour, and destroyed about two thousand hogs- 
heads of tobacco, and sundry vessels were sunk and 
burnt. 

At Warwick, they burnt a magazine of five hundred 
barrels of flour, some fine mills belonging to Col. Ca- 
rey, a large range of public rope walks and store-hous- 
es, tan and bark houses fiiU of hides and bark, and great 
quantaties of tobacco. A like destruction of stores and^. 
goods was made in other parts of Virginia. 



CHAPTER XXVL 

Action between the French and English fleets, off the Capes of 
Virginia. — Americans defeated by Lieiit. Col, Simcoe. — Ac- 
tion near the Green Springs. — Action at Eutaw Springs. — 
New-London, Conn, burnt by the British. — Fort Griswold 
taken. — Gen. Washington marches towards Virginia. — Lord 
Cornwallis takes post at Yorktown and Gloucester. 

J^ROM the accotant already given of some of the prin- 
cipal military operations of the present year,-it appears, 
that though advantages had been gained by the royal 
troops, yet no event had taken p4ace, from which it 
could rationally be expected that the final termination 
•f the war would be favorable to Great Britain. It 
was also a disadvantage to the British, that there was 
a misunderstanding between Admiral Arbuthnot and Sir 
Henry Clinton, and a mutual disapprobation of each 
«ther's conduct. This was manifest from their dis- 
patches to governn:>ent, and especially from those of 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 165 

vien. Clinton, whose expressions respecting the con- 
iluct of the Admiral, were by no means equivocal. 

On the I6th of March, 1781, a partial action hap^ 
pened off the Capes of Virginia, between the fleet un- 
der Admiral Arbuthnot, consisting of seven ships of the 
line, and one fifty gim ship, and a French squadron, 
consisting of the same number of ships of the line, and 
one forty gun ship. Some of the ships in both fleets 
received considerable damage in the action, and the 
loss of the English was thirty killed, and seventy-three 
wounded ; but no ship was taken on either side. The 
British fleet, however, claimed the advantage ; as the 
French were obliged to retire, and were supposed to 
be prevented by this action from carrying troops into 
the Chesapeake, in order to attack Gen. Arnold, and 
impede the progress of Lord Cornwallis. But it was 
an unfortunate circumstance for them, that some time 
before this engagement, the Romulus, a ship of forty- 
four guns, was captured by the French, ofi' the Capes 
of Virginia. 

Lord Cornwallis, after his victory over Gen. Greene 
at Guilford, proceeded, as we have seen, to Wilming- 
ton, where he arrived on the 7th of April, But be- 
fore he reached that place, he published a proclama- 
tion, calling upon all loyal subjects to stand forth and 
take an active part in restoring good order and govern- 
ment ; and declaring to all persons who had engaged in 
the present rebellion against his majesty's authority^ 
but who were now convinced of their error, and desir- 
ous of returning to their duty and allegiance, that if 
they would surrender themselves, with their arms and 
ammunition, at head quarters, or to the officers com- 
manding in the districts contiguous to their respective 
places of residence, on or before the 20th of that 
month, they would be permitted to return to their 
homes, upon giving a military parole ; they would be 
protected, in their persons and property, from all vio- 
lence from the British troops ; and would be restored, 
as soon as possible, to all the privileges of legal and 
constitutional government. But it does not appear tJKat 



166 HISTORY OF THE 

any considerable number of the Americans were al- 
lured by these promises, to give asy evidence of their 
attachment to the royal cause. 

On the 20th of May his lordship arrived at Peters- 
burgh, in Virginia, where he joined a body of British 
troops that had been under the command of Maj. Gen. 
Philips ; but the command of which, in consequence 
of the death of that officer, had devolved upon Brig. 
Gen. Arnold. Before this junction, he had encounter- 
ed considerable inconveniences from the difficulty of 
procuring provisions and forage ; so that in a letter to 
Sir Henry Clinton, he informed him, that his cavalry 
wanted every thing, and his infantry every thing but 
shoes. He added, that he had experienced the distress- 
es of marching hundreds of miles in a country chiefly 
hostile, without one active or useful friend, without in- 
telligence, and without communications with any part 
of the country. 

On the 26th of June, about six miles from Williams-" 
burgh, Lieut. Col. Simcoe, and three hundred and fifty 
of the queen's rangers, with eighty mounted Yagers, 
were attacked by a much superior body of the Ameri- 
cans ; but whom they repulsed with great gallantry and 
with 'equal success, making four officers and twenty 
private men prisoners. The loss of the Americans in 
this action is said to have been upwards of one hundred 
and twenty, and that of the British troops not more 
than forty. 

On the eth of July, an action happened near the 
Green Springs, in Virginia, between a reconnoitering 
party of the Americans, under Gen. Wayne, amount- 
ing to about eight hundred, and a large party of the 
British under Lord Cornwallis ; in which the Ameri- 
cans had one hundred and twenty-seven killed and 
wounded, and the loss of the royal troops is supposed 
to have been considerably greater. It was an action 
in which no small degree of military skill and courage 
was exhibited by the Americans. In a variety of skir- 
mishes, the Marquis de la Fayette very much distin- 



AMERICAN RETOLUnON. 167 

guished himself, and displayed the utmost ardor in the 
American cause. 

In South-Carolina, Sn action happened on the 9th of 
September, near the Eutaw Springs, between a large 
body of British troops, under the command of Lieut. 
Col. Staart, and an equal body of Americans, under 
the command of Gen. Greene. It was an obstinate en- 
gagement, and lasted near two hours. The British, 
with considerable loss, were, in the first part of the 
battle, routed in all quarters ; but some having taken 
post in a piqueted garden, and others thrown them- 
selves into a brick house, the eagerness of the Ameri- 
can pursuit was considerably checked, and gave Col. 
Stuart an opportunity, on the evening of the next day, 
to abandon Eutaw, and march towards Charleston, tak- 
ing a number of his wounded, and about one thousand 
stands of arms. 

In the course of the same month, Gen. Arnold was 
sent on an expedition against New-London, in Connect- 
icut, where he destroyed a great part of the shipping, 
and an immense quantity of naval stores, European 
manufactures, and East and West-India commodities. — 
The town itself was also burnt, which was said, but un- 
truly, to have been unavoidable, on account of the ex- 
plosions of great quantities of gun-powder, which hap- 
pened to be in the store-houses that were set on fire. 

A fort, of which it was thought necessary to gain pos- 
session in this expedition, was not taken without consid- 
erable loss. This was Fort Griswold ; which was de- 
fended by the Americans with great gallantry, and the 
assault was made by the English with equal bravery. 
The British troops entered the works with fixed bay- 
onets, and were opposed with great vigor by the Amer* 
icans with long spears. 

After a most obstinate defence of near forty minutes, 
the assailants gained possession of the fort, in which 
eighty-five Americans were found dead, and sixty 
wounfled, most of them mortally ; but of the killed, it 
is painful to observe, that the greater number fell after 
the British entered the fort, and when resistjince ha^ 



16S HiSTORY OP THE 

ceased. Of the British troops, Maj. Montgomery wa^ 
killed by a spear in entering the American works ; and 
one hundred and ninety-two men were also killed and 
w^ounded in this expedition. 

Notwithstanding the advantages that Lord Cornwallis 
had obtained over the Americans, his situation in Vir- 
ginia began by degrees to be very critical ; and the 
rather because he did not receive those reinforcements 
snd supplies from Sir Henry Clinton, of which he had 
formed expectations, and which he had conceived to be 
iaecessary to the success of his operations. 

Indeed, the commander-in-chief was prevented from 
sending those reinforcement to Lord Cornwalhs which 
lie othewise might have done, by his fears respecting 
New-York, against which he entertained great appre- 
hensions that Gen. Washington intended to make a for- 
midable attack. In fact, that able American general ap- 
pears to have employed great finesse, and taken much 
pains to lead Sir Henry Clinton to entertain this imagi- 
nation. Letters, expressive of this intention, fell into 
the hands of Sir Henry, which were probably written 
with a design that they should be intercepted, and only 
with a view to amuse and deceive the British general. 
The project, if so intended, was abundantly successful ; 
and Gen. Washington, by a variety of judicious milita- 
ry manouvres, in which he completely out-generaled 
the British commander, increased his apprehensions 
for the safety of New-York, and prevented him from 
sending assistance to Lord Cornwallis. 

Having for a considerable time kept Gen. Clinton in 
alarm in New-York, though with an army much infe- 
rior to the garrison of that city, Gen^ Washington sud= 
denly quitted his camp at White Plains, crossed the 
Delaware, and marched towards Virginia, apparently 
w^ith a design to attack Lord Cornwallis. Sir Henry 
Clinton, receiving information that the Count de Grasse, 
with a large French fleet, was expected every mo- 
ment in the Chesapeake, to co-operate with General 
Washington, immediately endeavored, both by land and 
water, to communicate this intelligence to Lord Corn- 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 169 

wnllis ; and also sent him assurances that he would ei- 
ther reinforce him by every possible means in his 
power, or make the best diversion he could in his fa- 
vor. In the mean time Lord Cornwallis had taken 
possession of the posts at Yorktowu and Gloucester, 
in Virginia, where he fortified himself in the best man- 
ner he was able. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Action between the French and English fleets in the Chesa- 
peake. — Gen. Washini;ton blocks up the British army at 
Yorhtown.^ — Sir Henry Clinton sails to the Chesapeake with 
a large body of British troops. — Surrender of the British ar- 
my under Lord Cornwallis. — hiveteracy of the tories. — fc'ir 
Guy Carleton ai-rives at New-York, and liegcciations for 
peace are opened. — Georgia and South-Carolina evacuated 
by the British. — Great Britain acknowledges the indepen- 
dence of America. — British troops evacuate New-York. — 
Conclusion of the war. 

On the 28th of August, Sir Samuel Hood, with a squad- 
ron from the West Indies, joined the squadron under 
the command of Admiral Graves before New- York. It 
was then necessary, on account of the situation of Lord 
Cornwallis, that they should immediately proceed to 
the Chesapeake ; but some time appears to have been 
needlessly lost, though Admiral Hood was extremely 
anxious that no dela}^ might be made. 

They arrived, however, in the Chesapeake, on the 
5th of September, vvith nineteen ships of the line ; 
Whejre they found the Count de Grasse, who had anchor- 
ed in that bay on the 30th of August, with twenty-four 
ships of the line. The French admiral had previous- 
ly landed a large body of troops, which had been 
brought from Rhode-Islmd, and who immediately 
marched to join the Americaii army under Gen. Wash- 
ington. 

The British and French fleets came to an action on 
the same day in \a hich tlie former arrived in the Ches- 
apeake. On board the British fleet mnety were killed 
15 



|7§ HISTORY OF THE 

and two hrindred and forty-six wounded: some of the 
ships were greatly damaged in the engageaicnt ; and 
the Terrible, a seventy-four gun ship, was so much 
shattered that it was afterwards found necessary to set 
fire to her. 

That this action had not been favorable to the English, 
was manifest from the event : the fleets continued in 
sight of each other for live days successively, and some- 
times were very ne:ir ; but at length the French fleet 
all anchored within the C'ape, so as to block up the pas- 
sage. /Vdmiral Grave, who was the comnumder-in- 
chief, then called a council of war, in which it was re- 
solved that the fleet sliould proceed to New-York, that 
the ships might be put in the best state for the service : 
and thus were the French left masters of the navigation 
of the Chesapeake. 

Bei^3re the nev/s of this action had reached New- 
York, a council of war had been held there, in which 
it y^'as resolved that five thousand men should be em- 
barked on board the king's ships, in order to proceed 
to the assistance of Lord Cornwallis. But when it 
was known that the French were absolute masters of 
the navigation of the Chesapeake, it was thought inex- 
pedient to send ofl' that reinforcement imniediately ; 
and, in another council of war, it was resolved, that as 
Lord Cornvv'alii.* h<id provisions to last him to the end 
of October, it was advisable to wait for more favorable 
accounts from Admiral Graves, or for the arrival of 
Admiral Digby, who was expected with three ships of 
the line. It was not then known, at New-!fork, that 
Admiral Graves had determined to return with the 
whole fleet to that port. 

In the mean time, the most eflectual measures were 
adopted by Gen. Washington for surrounding the Brit- 
ish army under Lord Cornwallis. A large body of 
French troops, under the command of Lieut. Gen. the 
Count de Rochambeau, with a very considerable train 
of artillery, assisted in the enterprize. The Ameri- 
cans amounted to eight thousand continentals and hve 
thousimd militia. Gen. Washington was invested with 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 171 

the authority of commander-in-chief of the coinbinel 
forces of America and France. 

On the 29th of September the investment of York- 
town was complete, and the Britii^h army quite block- 
ed up. The day following. Sir Henry Clinton wrote 
a letter to Lord Cornwallis, containing as-rsrance.-^ tliat 
he would do every thing in his power to relieve him, 
and giving some information concerning the steps that 
would be taken for that purpose. A dnpjirate of this 
letter was sent to his lordship by Maj. Cochran, a veiy 
gallant officer, who went in a vessel to the Capes, and 
made his way to Lord Cornwallis, tlirough the whole 
French fleet, in an open boat. He reached Yorktown 
on the 10th of October, and soon after his arrival his 
head was carried off by a cannon ball. 

On the return of Ad niral Graves to New- York, a 
council of war was again lieu', in which it was lesolv- 
ed that a large body of troops sliould be em])arked on 
board the fleet, as soon as the vessels were refitted ; 
and that the exertions of both i]^:ei and arrny should be 
made to form a junction with Lord Cornv/aliis. Sir 
Henry Clinton himself embarked, with upwards ©f 
seven thousand troops, on the 18th of October, ami 
arrived off Cape Charles, at the entrance the Chesa- 
peake, on the 24th^ where they received intelligence 
that Lord Cornwallis had l^een obliged to capitulate 
five days before. 

It was on the 19th of October, 1781, thit Lord Corn- 
wallis surrendered himself and his whole army, by 
capitulation, prisoners to the combined army under 
Gen. Washington, lie madi" a defence siHtu])ie to the 
character he had before acquired for courage and mil- 
itary skill ; but was compelled to submit to untoward 
circum'^l;mces and superior nund)ers. 

It w IS agreed, by the articles of capit^d ition,that the 
British troops were to be prisoners to tiie United States 
of America, and. the seamen to the French king, to 
whose officers also the British vessels found at Yoi-k- 
town and Gloucester, were tf be delivered up. The 
British troops amounted to iipwards of seven thou- 



172 HISTORY OP THE 

sand ; but many of them, at the time of the surrender, 
were incapable of duty. A considerable number of 
cannon, and a large quantity of military stores, fell into 
the hands of the Americans on this occasion^ 

The privilege of marching out with the honors of 
war was refused to Lord Cornwallis, as this honor had 
hcen refused to Gen. Lincoln ; and this officer was 
now selected to receive the submission of the royal 
army at Yorktown, in the sune manner his own sub- 
mission hul been received by the British about 
eighteen months before at Charleston. 

As GO ration d expectation now remained of a subju- 
gation of the colonies, the miUtary operations that suc- 
ceeded in America, v/ere of little consequence. Some 
inconsiderable actions and- skirmishes did indeed take 
place after that event; in v/liich the icfugees chiefly 
distinguished themselves, and discovered an inveterate 
animosity against the Americans. 

On the 5th of May, 1782, Sir Guy Carleton arrived 
at New-York, being appointed to the command of the. 
British troops in America, in the room of Sir Henry 
Clinton. Two days after his arrival, he wrote a letter 
to Gen. Washington, acquainting him, that Admiral Dig- 
by was joined with himself in a commiission to treat of 
peace with the people of America ; transmitting to him, 
at the same time, some papers tending to manifest the 
pacific disposition of the government and people of 
Britain towards those of America. He also desired a 
passport foT Mr. Morgan, who was appointed to trans- 
mit a similar letter of compliment to the congress. 

Gen. Washington declined signing any passport, till 
he had taken the opinion of congress upon that meas- 
ure ; and by them he was directed to^ refuse any pass- 
port for such a purpose. However, another letter 
was sent to Gen. Washington, dated the 2d of August, 
signed by Sir Guy Carleton and Rear Admiral Digby, 
in which they informed him, that they were acquainted 
by authority, that negociations for a general peace had 
already commenced at Paris ; that Mr. Grenville was 
invested with full powers to treat with all the parties 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



173 




16* 



174 HISTORY OF THE 

at war ; and was tUen at Paris in the execution of hi* 
commission. 

They further informed him, that his Britannic majes- 
t;^,, in order to remove all obstacles to that peace which 
he so ardently Avished to restore, had commanded his 
ministers to direct Mr. Grenville, that the independ- 
ence of the thirteen provinces should be proposed by 
him, in the first instance, instead of Making it the con- 
dition ofa general treaty. 

But some jealousies were entertained by the Ameri- 
cans, that it was the design of the British court, either 
to disunite them, or bring them to treat of a peace sep- 
arately from their ally, the king of France. It was 
therefore resolved, that any man, or body of men, 
in America, who should presume to make any separate 
or partial convention or agreement with the king of 
Great Britain, or with any commissioner or commis- 
sioners under the crown of Great Britain, ought to be 
considered and treated as open and avowed enemies of 
the United States of America ; and also that the United. 
States could not with propriety hold any conference or 
treaty with Great Britain, unless that government 
should, as a piehminary thereto, either. withdraw their 
fleets and armies, or else, in positive and express terms, 
acknowledge the independence of the said states. It 
Was likewise resolved, that any propositions which 
might be made by the courtof Great Britain, in any 
manner tending to violate the treaty subsisting between 
the United States and the king of France, ought to be 
treated with every mark of inchgnity and contempt. 

In the month of June, the town of Savannah, and 
the whole province of Georgia, were evacuated by the 
British troops ; as was also Charleston, in South-Car- 
olina, about the close of the year. 

In the mean time, the negociations being continued, 
provisional articles- of peace were signed at Paris, on 
the 30th of November, by the commissioner of his 
pritannic majesty and the Anierican commissioners, in 
which his majesty acknowledged the united provinces 
of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 17d 

end Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New-York, 
New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virgi- 
nia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, nnd Georgia,to be 

They had declared themselves to be such on the 
4th of July, 1776 ; they had been acknowledged as 
such by the kin^ of France, on the 30th of January, 
1778, when he concluded with them a treaty of amity 
and coru'nerce ; Holland had acknowledged them as 
such, April 19th, 178:2; Sweden acknowledged them 
as such, February 6th, 1783; Denmark, the 25th of 
February, Spain in March, and Russia in July, of the 
same year. 

The deiinitive treaty was signed on the 3d of Sep- 
tember, 1783 ; and on the 25th of November follow- 
ing, the British troops evacuated the city of New- 
York, which was iminediately entered by the Ameri- 
cans, in a joyful and well conducted procession, head- 
ed by Gen. Washington and Gov. Clinton* 

Soon after this event, the soldiers of the American 
army, cheerfully resuming the character of citizens, 
returned peaceably to their respective homes ; while 
their beloved and ever honored commander, having 
taken a pathetic leave of his officers, repaired to An- 
napolis ; and on the 23d of December, at an audience 
with congress, (perhaps the most singular and interest- 
ing that ever occurred,) resigned his commission into 
the hands of the president of that honorable body, amid 
the acclamations of his grateful and admiring countrymen. 

According to the report of the committee appointed 
for that purpose, the foreign debt of the United States 
incurred by the war, amounted to g7, 885,085, and the 
domestic debt to §35,115,290, equal to 9,450,084/. 
sterling. Bat the cost to Great Britain is- moderately 
estimated at 115,645,91 4/. As to the loss of men dur- 
ing this war, the United States, according to authentic 
climates, lost by the sword and in prison, near eight j 
thousimd men; and by the British returns at New-York, 
the nurnber of soldiers killed'in the service, amounted 
to. forty -three thousand six hundred and thirty-three,, 



Aii®if®a^. 



GENERAL ORDER, 

ISSUED BY GEN. WASHINGTON, ON THE CESSATION 
OF HOSTILITIES. 

Head-Quarters, Newburgh, April 18, 1783, 

The commander-in-chief orders the cessation of hos- 
tilities between the United States of America and the 
king of Great Britain, to be publicly proclaimed to-mor- 
row at 12 o'clock, at the new building; and that the 
proclamation which will be communicated herewith, be 
read to-morrow evening, at the head of every regiment 
and corps of the army ; after which, the chaplains, with 
the several brigades, will render thanks to Almighty 
God for alt his mercies, particularly for his over- ruling 
the wrath of man to his own glory, and causing the 
rage of war to cease among the nations. 

Although the proclamation before alluded to, extends 
only to the prohibition of hostilities,^ and not to the an- 
nunciation of a general peace, yet it must afford the 
most rational and sincere satis&ction to every benevo- 
lent mind, as it puts a period to a long and doubtful con- 
test — stops the effusion of human blood — opens the 
prospect to a more splendid scene — and, like another 
morning star, promises the approach of a brighter day 
than has hitherto illuminated this western hemisphere ! 
On such a happy day — a day which is the harbinger of 
peace — a day which completes the eighth year of the 
war, it would be ingratitude not to rejoice : it would be 
insensibility not to participate in the general felicity. 

The commander- in-chief, far from endeavoring t© 
atifle the feelings of joy in his own bosom, offers his 



178 APPENDIX. 

most cordial congratulations on the occjision, to all the 
officers of every denomination — to all the troops of the 
United States in general, and in particular to those gal- 
lant and persevering men, who had resolved to defend 
the rights of their invaded country so long as the war 
should continue ; for these are the men who ought to 
be considered as the pride an^cl boast '^f the American 
army, and who, crowned with well earned laurels, may 
goon withdraw from the field of glory to the more tran- 
quil walks of civil life. 

While the general recollects the almost infinite vari- 
ety of scenes through which we have passed, with a 
mixture of pleasure, astonishment, and gratitude — while 
he contemplates the prospects before us with rapture 
— he cannot help wishing that all the brave men, of 
whatever condition they may be, who have shared in 
the toils and dangers of effecting this glorious revolu- 
tion, of rescuing millions from the hand of oppression, 
and of laying the foundation of a great empire, might be 
impressed with a proper idea of the dignified part they 
have been called to act (under the smiles of Provi- 
dence) on the stage of human affairs ; for happy, thrice 
happy, shall they be pronounced hereafter, who have 
contributed any thing, who have performed the mean- 
est office in erecting this stupendous /ain'c of Freedom 
and Empire^ on the broad basis of independence ; who 
have assisted in protecting the rights of human nature, 
and establishing an asylum for the poor and oppressed 
©f all nations and religions. 

The glorious task for which we first flew to arms, 
being thus accomplished — the liberties of our country 
being fully acknowledged and firmly secured, by the 
smiles of Heaven on the purity of our cause, and the 
honest exertions of a feeble people, determined to be 
free, against a powerful nation disposed to oppress 
them ; and the character of those who have persevered 
through every extremity of hardship, suffering, and 
danger, being immortalized by the illustrious appella- 
tion of the Patriot Army, nothing now remains but for 
the actors of this mighty scene to preserve a perfect. 



AS^PENDIX. 179 

lanvarying consistency of character thror-gb the very 
lust act ; to close the dram's with applause ; ;•! 'i to re- 
tire from the ir..iHtary the <'re with ihe s..iiie -;pproba- 
tion of angels cUid men, which have crowned aii their 
former virtuous actions. 

For this purpose, no disorder or licentiousness must 
be tolertited ; every consii.er -tc and well disposed sol- 
<iier must renieriil'er, it will be absolutely necessary to 
wait with patience, until peace shall be declared, or 
congress shall be enitblcd to take proper nicasures for 
the security of the pubHc stor=i^s, &c. As soon as these 
arrangements shall be made, the general is confident 
there will be no delay in disch<irging, with every mark 
of distinction and honor, all the men enlisted for the 
war, who Avill then have faithfully perforo'cd their en- 
gagements with the public. The general has already 
interested himself in their behalf; and he thinks he 
need not repeat the assurances of his disposition to be 
useful to them on the present, and every other proper 
occasion. In the mean time he is determined that no 
military neglects or excesses shall go unpunished, while 
he retains the command of the army. 

The adjutant-general will have such working parties 
detached to assist in making the preparaiion for a gene- 
ral rejoicing, as the chief engineer, with the army, 
shall call for ; and the quarter-master-general will also 
furnish such matericils as he may want. The quarter- 
master-general will, v.'ithout delay, procure such a 
number of discharges to be printed as will be sufficient 
for all the men enlisted for the war ; he will please t© 
apply to head-quarters for the form. 

An extra ration of liquor to be issued to every maa 
to-morrow, to drink perpetual peace, independence, 

AND HAPPINESS, TO THE UnITED StATES OF AMERICA- 



IBO APPENDIX, 



ADDRESS OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASH^ 
INGTON. 

UNITED STATES, 
IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED. 

Princeton, August 26, 1783. 
According to order, Gen, JVashi7igton attended, and be^ 
ing introduced by two members, the President address- 
ed him as follows :— * 

Sir, 

Congress feel particular pleasure in seeing your ex* 
cellency, and in congratulating you on the success of a 
war, in which you have acted so conspicuous a part. 

It has been the singular happiness of the United 
States, that during a war so long, so dangerous, and so 
important, Providence has been graciously pleased to 
preserve the life of a general, who has merited and 
possessed the uninterrupted confidence and afiection of 
his fellow citizens. In other nations many have per- 
formed services, for v/hich they ha\e deserved and re- 
ceived the thanks of the public ; but to you, sir, pe- 
culiar praise is due. Your services have been essen- 
tial in acquiring and establishing the freedom and inde- 
pendence of your country. They deserve the grateful 
acknowledgments of a free and independent nation.— 
Those acknowledgments, congress have the satisfaction 
of expressing to your excellency. 

Hostilities have now ceased, but your country still 
needs your services. She wishes to avail herself of 
your talents in forming the arrangements which will be 
necessary for her in the time of peace. For this rea- 
son your attendance at congress has been requested.- — 
A committee is appointed to coniier with your excellen- 
cy, and to receive your assistance in preparing and di- 
gesting plans relative to those iniportant objects. 



APPENDIX, 181 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ANSWER. 

Mr. President, 

I AM too sensible of the honorable reception I have 
HOW experienced, not to be penetrated vvitli the deep- 
est feelings of gratitude. 

Notwithstanding congress appear to estimate the val- 
ue of my life beyond any services I have been able to 
render the United States, yet I must be permitted to 
consider the wisdom and unanimity of our national 
councils, the firmnei?s of our citizens, and tlie patience 
and bravery of our troops, which ha\'e produced so 
happy a termination of the war, as the most conspicu- 
ous effect of the divine interpo.'- ition, and the surest 
presage of our future happinc-^s. 

Highly gratified by the favorable sentiments \vhich 
congress are pleased to express of my past conduct, and 
amply Rewarded by the confulence and affection of my 
fellow citizens, I cannot hesitate to contribute my best 
endeavors tov^'^ards the establishment of the, national 
security, in whatever manner the sovereign power may 
think proper to direct, until the ratification of tlie de- 
finitive treaty of peace, or the final evacuation of our 
country by tlie British forces ; ;iiter either of which 
events, I shall a-k permission to retire to the peaceful 
shade of private life. 

Perhaps, sir, no occasion may offer more suitable 
than the present, to expre::^s my humble thanks to God 
and my grateful acknowledgnients to my country, for 
the great and unilbrm support I have received in every 
vicissitude of fortune, and for the many distinguished 
honors which congress have been pleased to confer up- 
on me in the course of the war. 

16 



182 APPENDIX. 



FAREWELL ORDERS 

OF GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE ARMIES OF 
THE UNITED STATES. 

Rocky-Hill, near Princeton, Nov. 2, 1783. 

The United States in congress assembled, after giv- 
ing the most honorable testimony to the merits of the 
federal armies, and presenting them with the thanks of 
their country, for their long, eminent, and faithful ser- 
vice, having thought proper, by their prochunation 
bearing date the 18th of October last, to discharge such 
part of the troops as were engaged for the war, and to 
permit the officers on furlough to retire from service, 
from and after to-morrow, which proclamation having 
been communicated in the public papers, for the infor- 
mation and government of all concerned, it only re- 
mains for the commander-in-chief to address himself 
©nee more, and that for the last time, to the armies of 
the United States, (however widely dispersed individ- 
uals who compose them may be,) and to bid them an af- 
fectionate — a long farewell. 

But before the commander-in-chief takes his final 
leave of those he holds most dear, he wishes to indulge 
himself a few moments in calling to mind a slight view 
of the past : he will then take the liberty of exploring, 
w ith his military friends, their future prospects ; of ad- 
vising the general line of conduct which in his opinion 
ought to be pursued ; and he will then conclude the ad- 
dress, by expressing the obligations he feels himself 
under for the spirited and able assistance he has expe- 
rienced from them, in the performance of an arduous 
office. 

A contemplation of the complete attainment (at a pe- 
riod earlier than could have been expected) of the ob- 
ject for which we contended, against so formidable a 
power, cannot but inspire us with astonishment and 
gratitude. The disadvantageous circumstances on our 
part, under which the war was undertaken, can never 
be forgotten. The signal interpositions of Providence, 



APPENDIX. 183 

in our feeble condition, were such as could scarcely es- 
cape the attention of the most unobserving ; while the 
unparallelled perseverance of the armies of the United 
States, through almost every possible suffering and dis- 
couragement, for the space of eight long years, was lit- 
tle short of a standing miracle. 

It is not the meaning, nor within the compass of this, 
address, to detail the hardships peculiarly incident to 
our service, or to describe the distresses which in sev- 
eral instances have resulted from the extremes of hun- 
ger and nakedness, combined with the rigors of an in- 
clement season : nor is it necessary to dwell on the 
dark side of our past affairs. 

Every American officer and soldier must now con- 
sole himself for any unpleasant circumstance which may 
have occurred, by a recollection of the uncommon 
scenes in which he has been called to act no inglorious 
part, and the astonishing events of which he has been 
a witness ; events which have seldom if ever before 
taken place on the stage of human action, nor can they 
probably ever happen again. For who has before seen 
a disciplined army formed at once from such raw ma- 
terials ? Who that was not a witness could imagine that 
the most violent local prejudices would cease so soon, 
and that men who came from the different parts of the 
continent, strongly disposed by the habits of education 
to despise and quarrel with each other, would instantly 
become but one patriotic band of brothers ? Or who 
that was not on the spot, can trace the steps by which 
such a wonderful revolution has been effected, and such 
a glorious period put to all our warlike toils ? 

It is universally acknowledged, that the enlarged 
prospects of happiness, opened by the confirmation oi 
our independence and sovereignty, almost exceed the 
power of description : and shall not the brave men who 
have contributed so essentially to these inestimable ac- 
quisitions, retiring victorious from the field of war to 
the field of agriculture, participate in all the blessings 
which have been obtained ? In such a republic, who 
^-viU exclude them from the rights of citizens, and the 



184 APPENDIX, 

fruits of their labors ? In such a country, so happily 
circumstanced, the pursuits of commerce, and the cul- 
tivation of the soil, will unfold to industry the certain 
road to competence. To those hardy soldiers who are 
actuated by the spirit of adventure, the fisheries will 
afford ample and profitable employment : and the ex- 
tensive and tertile regions of the west, will yield a most 
h ippj asylum to those who, fond of domestic enjoy- 
ment, are seeking personal independence. Nor is it 
possible to conceive that any one of the United States 
will prefer a national bankruptcy, and the dissolution 
of the union, to a compliance with the requisitions of 
congress, and the payment of its just debts ; so that 
the officers and soldiers may expect considerable as- 
sistance, in re-commencing their civil occupations, 
from the sums due to them from the public, which must 
and will most inevitably be paid. 

In order to effect this desirable purpose, and remove 
the prejudices which may have taken possession of the 
minds of any of the good people of the states, it is ear- 
nestly recommended to all the troops, that with strong 
attachment to the union, they should carry with them 
into civil society, the most conciliating dispositions, and 
that they should prove themselves not less virtuous 
;:nd useful as citizens, than they have been victorious 
as soldiers. What though there should be some envi- 
ous individunls, who are unwilling to pay the debt the 
public has contracted, or to yield the tribute due to 
merit, yet, let such unworthy treatment produce no in- 
vective, or any instance of intemperate conduct. Let 
it be remembered, that the unbiassed voice of the free 
citizens of the United States, has promised the just re- 
ward, and given the merited applause. Let it be known 
and remembered, that the reputation of the federal ar- 
mies is established beyond the reach of malevolence ; 
and let a consciousness of their achievements and fame, 
still excite the men who composed them to honorable 
actions, under the persuasion that the private virtues 
of economy, prudence, and industry, will not be less 
amiable in civil life,, than the more splendid qualitiejs 



APPENDIX. IB5 

of valor, perseverance, and enterprize, were in the 
field. 

Every one may rest assured that much, very much 
of the future happiness of the officers and men, will de- 
pend upon the wise and m mly conduct vv^hich shall be 
adopted by them, when they are mingled with the grer*t 
body of the community. And although the general 
has so frequently given it as his opinion, in the most 
public and explicit manner, that unless the principles 
of the federal government were properly supported, 
and the powers of the union increased, the honor, dig- 
nity, and justice of the nation would be lost for ever ; 
yet he cannot help repeating on this occasion so inter- 
esting a sentiment, and leaving it as his last injunction 
to every officer, and every soldier, who may view the 
subject in the same serious point of light, to add his 
best endeavors to those of his worthy fellow citizens, 
towards effecting these great and valuable purposes, on 
which our very existence as a nation so materially de- 
pends. 

The commander-in-chief conceives little is now 
wanting to enable the soldier to change the military 
character into that of the citizen, but that steady, de- 
cent tenor of behavior, which has generally distinguish- 
ed not only the army under his immediate command, 
but the different detachments and armies through the 
course of the war. From their good sense and pru- 
dence he anticipates the happiest consequences ; and 
while he congratulates them on the glorious occasion 
which renders their services in the field no longer ne- 
cessary, he wishes to express the strong obligations he 
feels himself under for the assistance he has received 
from every class, and in every instance. He presents 
his thanks in the most serious and affectionate manner, 
to the general officers, as well for their counsels on ma- 
ny interesting occasions, as for their ardor in promot- 
ing the success of the plans he had adopted. To the 
commandants of regiments and corps, and to the other 
offiers, for their zeal and attention in carrying his or- 
ders promptly into execution — to the staff for tl>eir 

te* 



186 APPENDIX^ 

alacrity and exrictness in performing the duties of their 
several departments ; and to the non-commissioned of- 
llcers and private soldiers, for their extraordinary pa- 
tience and sufifering, as well as their invincible fortitude 
in action. To' tlie various branches of the army, the 
general takes this last and solemn opportunity of pro- 
fessing his inviolable attachment and friendship. He 
wishes more than bare professions were in his power, 
that he was really able to be useful to them all in fu- 
ture life. He flatters himself, however, they will do 
him the justice to beUeve that whatever could with 
propriety be attempted by him, has been done. 

And being now to conclude these his last public or- 
'lers, to take his ultimate leave in a short time of the 
military character, and to bid a final adieu to the armies 
he has so long had the honor te command, he can only 
ngain olTer in their behalf, his recommendations to their 
:i;ratefid country, and his prayers to the God of armies. 
>i;)y ample justice be done them here, and may the 
clioicest of Heaven's favors, both here and hereaftCFj 
ittend those, who under the divine auspices, have se- 
cured innumerable blessings for others. With these 
wishes, and this benediction, the commander-in-chief 
is about to retire from service. The curtain of sepa» 
Tdiion will soon be drawn, and^he military scene to him 
will be closed for ever» 



THE ANSWER. 

We the officers of the part of the army remaining 
on the banks of the Hudson, have received your excel- 
lency's serious and farewell address to the armies of 
the United States. We beg you to accept our unfeign- 
ed thanks for the communication, and your affectionate 
assurances of inviolable attachment and friendship. If 
jour attempts to insure to the armies the just, the pro- 
mised rewards, of their long, severe, and dangerous 
services, have failed of success, we believe it has aris- 
^n from cau!5es not in your excellency's power to ron- 



APPENDIX. 187 

trol. With extreme regret do we reflect on the occa- 
sion which called for such endeavors. But while we 
thank your excellency for these exertions in favor of 
the troops you have so successfully commanded, we 
pray it may be believed, that in this sentiment our own 
particular interests have but a secondary place ; and 
that even the ultimate ingratitude of the people (were 
that possible) could not shake the patriotism of those 
who suffer by it. Still with pleasing wonder, and with 
grateful joy, shall we contemplate the glorious conclu- 
sion of our labors. To that merit in the revolution, 
which, under the auspices of Heaven^ the armies have 
displayed, posterity will do justice ; and the sons will 
blush, whose fathers were their foes* 

Most gladly would we cast a veil on every act which 
sullies the reputation of our country — never should the 
page of history be stained with its dishonor — even from 
our memories should the idea be' erased. We lament 
the opposition to those salutary measures which the 
wisdom of the union has planned ; measures which 
alone can recover and fix on a permanent basis the 
credit of the states ; measures which are essential to 
the justice, the honor, and interest of the nation. — 
While she was giviug the noblest proofs of magnanim- 
ity, with conscious pride we saw her growing fame ; 
and, regardless of present sufferings, we looked for- 
ward to the end of our toils and dangers, to brighter 
scenes in prospect. There we beheld the genius of 
our country dignified by sovereignty and independence, 
supported by justice, and adorned with every liberal 
virtue. There we saw patient husbandry fearless ex- 
tend her cultured fields, and animated commerce 
spread her sails to every wind. There we beheld fair 
science lift her head, with all the arts attending in her 
train. There, blest with freedom, we saw the human 
mind expand ; and, throwing aside the restraints which 
confined it to the narrow bounds of country, it embrac- 
ed the world. Such were our fond hopes, and with 
such delightful prospects did they present us. Nor 
are we disappointed. Those animating prospects are 



188 APPENDIX. 

now changed and changing to reaUties ; and actively to 
have contributed to their production, is our pride, our 
glory. But justice alone can give them stability. In 
that justice we still believe. Still v/e hope, that the 
prejudices of the misinformed will be removed, and 
the ai'ts of false and selfish popularity, addressed to 
the feelings of avarice, defeated : or, in the worst 
event, the world, we hope, will make the just distinc- 
tion : we trust the disingenuousness of a few will not 
sully the reputation, the honor, and dignity, of the great 
and respectable majority of the states. 

We are hap])y in the opportunity just presented of 
congratulating your excellency on the certain conclu- 
sion of the definitive treaty of peace. Relieved at 
length from long suspense, our warmest wish is to re- 
turn to the bosom of our country, to resume the char- 
acter of citizens ; and it will be our highest ambition ta 
become useful ones. To your excellency, this great 
event must be peculiarly pleasing : for while at the 
head of her armies, urged by patriot virtues and mag- 
nanimity, you persevered, under the pressure of every 
possible difficulty and discouragenient, in the pursuit 
of the great objects of the war — the freedom and safety 
of your country ; your heart panted for the tranquil 
enjoyments of peace. We cordially rejoice with you, 
that the period of indulging them has arrived so soon. 
In contemplating the blessings of Ifterty and independ- 
ence, the rich prize of eight years hardy adventure, 
past sufferings will be forgotten ; or, if remembered, 
the recollection will serve to heighten the relish of 
present happiness. We sincerely pray God that this 
happiness may long be yours ; and that when you quit 
the stage of humm life, you may receive from the un- 
erring Judge, the rewards of valor exerted to save the 
€)<|>pressed, of patriotism, and disinterested virtue. 



APPENDIX. ^ 189 



ADDRESS 

OF GENERAL WASHINGTON TO CONGRESS, ON 
RESIGNING HIS MILITARY COIVIMISSION. 

December 23, 1783. 

Mr. President, 

The great events on whfch my resignation depended 
having at length taken place, I have now the honor of 
offering my sincere congratulations to congress, and of 
presenting myself before them, to surrender into their 
hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the in- 
dulgence of retiring from the service of my country. 

Happy in the confirmation of our independence and 
sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded 
the United States, of becoming a respectable nation, I 
resign with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with 
diffidence — a diffidence in my abilities to accompliah 
so arduous a task ; which, however, was superseded 
by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the sup- 
port of the supreme power of the union, and the pat= 
ronage of Heaven. 

The successful termiaation of the war has verified 
the most sanguine expectations ; and my gratitude for 
the interposition of Providence, and the assistance I 
have received from my countrymen, increases with ev- 
ery review of the momentous contest. 

While I repeat my obligations to the army in gene- 
ral, I should do injustice to my own feelings not to ac- 
knowledge, in this place, the peculiar services and dis- 
tinguished merits of the gentlemen who have been at- 
tached to my person during the war. It was impossi- 
ble the choice of confidential officers to compose my 
family should have been more fortunate. Permit me, 
sir, to recommend in particular, those who have con- 
tinued in the service to the present moment, as worthy 
of the favorable notice and patronage of congress. 

I consider it an indispensible duty to close this last 
act of my official life by recommending the interests of 
our dearest country to the protection of AliBighty God^ 



190 APPENDIX. 

and those who have the superintendence of them to his 
holy keeping. 

Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire 
from the great theatre of action, and bidding an affec- 
tionate farewell to this august body, under whose or- 
ders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, 
and take leave of all the employments of public life. 



THE ANSWER. 

Sir, 

The United States, in congress assembled, receive, 
with emotions too affecting for utterance, the solemn 
resignation of the authorities under which you have led 
their troops with success through a perilous and a 
doubtful war. Called upon by your country to defend 
its invaded rights, you accepted the sacred charge, be- 
fore it had formed alliances, and while it was without 
funds or a government to support you. You have con- 
ducted the great military contest with wisdom and for- 
titude, invariably regarding the rights of the civil pow- 
er through all disasters and changes. You have, by the 
love and confidence of your fellow citizens, enabled 
them' to display their martial genius, and transmit their 
fame to posterity. You have persevered, till these 
United States, aided by a magnanimous king and nation, 
have been enabled, under a just Providence, to close 
the war in freedom, safety, and independence ; on 
which happy event we sincerely join you in congratu- 
lations. 

Having defended the standard of liberty in this new 
world : having taught a lesson useful to those who in- 
flict and to those who feel oppression, you retire from 
the great theatre of action, with the blessings of your 
fellow citizens — but the glory of your virtues will not 
terminate with your military command ; it will contin^ 
ue to animate remotest ages. 

We feel with you our obligations to the army in gen- 
eral, and will particularly charge ourselves with the 



APPENDDCo 191 

interests of those confidential officers, who have at- 
tended your person to this affecting moment. 

We join you in commending the interests of our 
dearest country to the protection of Ahuighty God, be- 
seeching him to dispose the hearts and minds of its cit- 
izens, to improve the opportunity afforded them, of 
becoming a happy and respectable nation. And for 
you we address to him our earnest prayers, that a life 
so beloved, may be fostered with all his care : that 
your days may be happy as they have been illustri- 
ous ; and that he will finally give you that reward which 
this world cannot give. 



THE 

CONSTITUTION 

OF THE 

We the people of the United States, in order to form a 
more pe-fect union, establish justice, insure domes- 
tic tranquility, provide for the common defence, pro- 
mote the general welfare, and secure the blessings 
of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain 
and establish this constitution for the United States 
of America, 

ARTICLE I. 

Section 1. All legislative powers herein granted shall be 
vested in a congress of the United States, which shall consist of « 
Senate and House of Representatives. 

Sec. 2. The house of representatives shall be composed of 
members chosen every second year by the people of the several 
states, and the electors in each state shall have the qualifications 
requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state 
legislature. 

No persoij shall be a representative who shall not have attain- 
ed to the age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizea 
the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an in- 
habitant of that state in which he shall be chosen. 

Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned amonf 



192 APPENDIX. 

the several states which may be included within this Union, ac- 
cording to their respective number^ which shall be determined 
by adding to the whole number of free persons, including those 
bound to service for a term of three years, and excluding Indians 
not taxed, three fifths of all other persons. The actual enume- 
ration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of 
the congress of the United States, and within every subsequent 
term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct.-— 
The number of representatives shall not exceed one for every 
thirty thousand, but each state shall have at least one represent- 
ative ; and until such enumeration shall be made, the state of 
New-Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachusetts 
eight, Rhode-Island and Providence plantations one, Connecticut 
five, New-York six, New-Jersey four, Pennsylvama eight, Del- 
aware one, Maryland six, Vii-gmia ten, North-Carolina five, 
South-Carolina five, and Georgia three. 

When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, 
the executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill 
such vacancies. 

The house of representatives shall choose their speaker and 
other officers ; and shall have the sole power of impeachment. 

Sec. 3. The senate of the United States shall be composed of 
two senators from each state, chosen by the legislature thereof^ 
for six years ; and each senator shall have one vote. 

Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the 
first election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into 
three classes. The seats of the senators of the first class shall be 
vacated at the expiration of the second year, of the second class 
at the expiration of the fourth year, and of the third class at the 
expiration of the sixth year, so that one third may be chosen ev- 
ery second year ; and if vacancies happen by resignation, or oth- 
erwise, during the recess of the legislature of any state, the exec- 
titive thereof may make temporary appointments until the next 
meeting of the legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies. 

No person shall be a senator, who shall not have attained to 
the age of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the Uni-^ 
ted States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of 
that state for which he shall be chosen. 

The vice-president of the United States shall be president of 
the senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divi*- 
ded. 

The senate shall choose their other officers, and also a presi- 
dent pro tempore, in the absence of the vice-president, or whea 
he shall exercise the office of president of the United States. 

The senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachnients, 
"When eitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirma- 
tion. When the president of the United States is tried, the chief 
justice shall preside : and no person shall be convicted, without 
the concurrence of two-tliirds of the members present. 



APPENDIX. 193 

Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further 
than to removal from olfice, and disqualification to liold and en- 
joy any office of honor, trust, or profit, under the Uniied States ; 
but the party convicted shall, nevertheless, be liable and suljoct 
to indictment, trial,, judgment, and punishment, according to lav/. 

Sec. 4. The times, places, and manner uf lioWmi^ elections for 
senators and representatives, shall be prescribed m each state, by 
the legislature thereof; but the congress may, at any time, Dy 
law, make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of 
choosing senators. 

The congress shall a?3emble at least once in every year ; and 
such meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless 
they shall by law appoint a different day. 

Sec. 5. Each house shall.be the judge of the elections, re- 
turns, and qualifications, of its Owivmembers ; and a ir.ajorily of 
each shall constitute a quorum to do business ; but a smaller 
number may adjourn from day to day, and may V''' authori-zed to 
compel the attendance of absent meiab^rs, va such maimer, and 
under such penalties, as each hou;^? may rrovidc. 

Each house may dr'tiinnlue tiie rul s of its j* receding, pun'sh 
it? members for disorderly ]>eliavior, and, with the coacurreuce 
of two thirds, expel a member. 

Each house shall keep a journal of its pr«ceed:nj;s, ar.d from 
time to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in 
their j udgment, require secresy ; &nd the yeas and nays of the 
members of either house on any question, shall, at the desire of 
one fifth of those present, be entered on the journal. 

Neither house, liuring the session of congress, shall, without 
the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor 
to any other place than that in W'^i^^ i^^^c two houses shall be 
sitting. 

Sec 6. The senat'^rs and representatives sJiall receive a com- 
pensation for their services, to be abcerlained by law, find paid 
out of the treasury of the United States. They shall, in all cas- 
es, except treason, felony and breach of the peace, be privileged 
from arrest, daring their slterulance at tlie session of tiieir res- 
pective houses, and in going to or returning from the same ; and 
for any speecli or debate in either house, they shall not be ques- 
tioned m any other place. 

JVo senator or reia-esontative shall, during the time for which 
he was elected, be a|.[ointed to any civil ofl^ice under the author- 
ity of the Uu;teJ Ft;.k->, which shall have 1 een erent.- •■', or the 
emolunieuts wh^r -of shall have been incveastd. unr >ii- rch 
time ; and no person holding any ollice undtr tlie Unitcl ;£(at.?s, 
sliail be a member of either house, dunng his couanuance in 
office. 

Sec. 7. All hills for rais'ng revenue shall oripiaate in the house 
of ro-'rese;:itatives ; b'.it the senate may propose or concur With 
amendments as on other bills. 

17 



1 94 APPENDIX. 

Every bill wiiieh shall have passed the house of i-epresentatives 
and tha seuate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the 
president oithe United States ; if he approve he shall sign it, but 
if not he shall return it, with hi? objections, to that hoi ise in which 
it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large on 
their journal, and juoceed to re-consider it. If after such re-con- 
fideration two-thirds of that house shall agree to pass the bill, it 
shall be sent, together with the objections to the other house, by 
which it shall likewise be re-considered, and if approved by two 
thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But in all such cases 
the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and 
tlie names of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be 
entered on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill 
shall not be returned by the president within ten days (Sundays 
excepted) after it shall have lieen presented to hini, the same 
shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the 
congress, by their adjournment, prevent its return ; in which case 
it shall not be a law. 

Every order, resolution, or vote, to which the concurrence of 
the senaie and Iiouse of representatives may be necessary, (ex- 
cept o 1 a nuestion of adjournment,) shall be presented to the 
president of the United Statss ; and before the same shall take 
effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, 
shall be re-passed by two thirds of the senate and hou-e of repre- 
sentatives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in 
tiie case of a bill. 

Sec. 8. The congress shall have power — 
To lay arid collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises ; to pay 
the debts, and provide for the common defence and general wel- 
fiire of the United States ; but all duties, imposts, and excises 
sliali be uniibrm throughout the United States : 

To borrow money on the credit of the United States : 
To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the 
several states, and with tbe Indian tribes : 

To establish an uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform 
laws on the subject of bankruptcies, throughout the United 
States : 

To coin mone)-, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, 
and fix the standard of weights and measures : 

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities 
anu current coin of the United States : 
To establish post-otFices and post-roads : 

To promote the progress of science and useful art.-, by secur- 
ing, for limited times, to autiiors and inventors, the exclusive 
right to their respective wriiings and discoveries : 

To constitute tribunals infmior to the supreme court : To de- 
fine and punish piracies and felonies committed on tlie high seas, 
<u7d oiieacfts agamst the law of nations : 



APPENDIX. 195 

To declare war, g;rant letters of marque and reprisal, and make 
rules conceraius: cai'tures on land and water : 

To raise aiid support armies ; but no appropriations of mq- 
iiey tathat use, shall be for a longer term than two years : 

To proviile and maintain a navy : 

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land 
and naval lovces : 

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of 
the (miou, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions : 

To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, 
and for governing such part of them as may be employed in tlie 
service of the United States, reserving to the states, respectively, 
the appointment of the officers, and the avitliori'iy of training the 
militia, according to the discipline prescribed by coiigress : 

To exerci? exclusive legislation, in all cases whatsoever, over 
such district (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession 
of particular states, and the acceptance of congress, become the 
seat of government of the United States, and to exercise like au- 
thority over all places purchased by the consent of the legisla- 
ture of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection of 
forts, magazines, arsenals, dock yards, and other needful build- 
ings : — And 

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper, f(.r 
carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other pow- 
ers vested by this constitution in tlie government of the United 
States, or in any department or olucer thereof. 

Sec. 9. The migration or importation of such persons as any 
of the states, now existing, shall think proper to admit, sJiall not 
be prohibited by the congress, prior to the year one thousand 
eight hundred and eight ; but a tax or duty may be imposed on 
such importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each person. 

The privilege of the writ of liabaes corpus shall not be sus- 
pended, unlf S3 when, in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public 
safety may require it. 

No bill of attainder, or ex post facto law, shall be passed. 

No capitation, or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in pro- 
portion to tlie census or enumeration hei-ein before directed to be 
taken. 

No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any- 
state. No preference shall be given, by any regulation of com- 
merce or revenue, to the ports of one state over those of another ; 
nor si-.all vtv^sels bound to or from one state, be obliged to enter, 
clear, or pay duties in another. 

No money shall be drawn from the trcasui-y, but in conse- 
quence of appropriations made by law ; and a regular statement 
and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money, 
shall be pul ilished from time to time. 

No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States ; and 
no person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, 



im 



APPENDIX. 



without the consent of the con2;Tess, accept of any present, emol- 
ument, office, or title oi any kind whatever, from any kin^^, prince^ 
or forei^i state. 

Sec. 10. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or con- 
feJeratioa ; gi-ant letters of marque and reprisal ; coin money; 
emit bills of credit ; make any thing- but g-old and silver coin a 
teuder in payment of debts ; pass any bill of attainder, ex post 
facto law, or lavf- impairing the obligation of contracts ; or grant 
any title of nobility. 

No state shall, without the consent of the cong'ress, lay any im- 
posts or duties on imports or exports, except what may be abso- 
lutely necessary for executing its inspection laws; and the net 
prod Tce of all duties and imposts laid by any state on imports or 
exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the United States ; 
ici 1 all such laws shall be subject to the revision .;ud control of 
t!ie con2:ress. No state shalU Avithout the consent of conj^ress, 
lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops or ships of war, in time of 
peace, enter into any agreement or compact v/ith another state, 
or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually invad- 
ed, or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay. 

ARTICLE ir. 

Sec. 1. The executive power diall be vested in a president of 
the United States of Anierica. He shall hold his ofiice during 
the term of fuur years, arid, together with the vice-president, cho- 
sen for the same term, be elected as follov/s : 

Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature 
thereof may direct, a numljer of electors, equal to the whole 
number of senators and representatives to which the state may 
be entitled in the congress ; but no senator or representative, or 
person holding a i ofiice of trust or profit under the United States, 
shall be appointed an elector. 

The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by 
ballot for two pei-sons, of whom.one at least shall not be an inhab- 
itant ofthe same ?tate with themselves. And they shall make a 
list of ail the persons voted for, a.id of the number of votes for 
each ; which list they sliall sign and certify, and transmit sealed 
to the seat of government of the United States, directed to the 
president of the senate. The president of the senate shall, in the 
presence ofthe senate and house of representatives, open all the 
certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person 
having the greatest number of votes shall be the president, if 
such number be a majority ofthe whole number cf electors ap- 
pointel ; and if there be more than one who have such majority, 
and liave an equal number of votes, then the house of represent- 
atives shall immediately choose by ballot one of them for presi- 
dent ; and if no person have a majority, then from the five high- 
est on the list the said house shall in like manner choose tlie pres- 
jdeiit, But in choosing the president, the votes shaiJ be taken by 



APPENDIX. 197 

states, the representation from each state having one vote ; a 
quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members 
from two thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall 
be necessary to a choice. In every case, after the choice of a 
president, the person having the greatest number of votes of the 
electors shall be the vice-president. Rut if there should remain 
two or more who have equal votes, the senate shall choose from 
them by ballot the vice-president. 

The congress may determine the time of choosing tlie electors, 
and the day on which they shall give their votes ; which day 
shall be the same throughout the United States. 

No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the 
United States at the time of the adoption of this constitution, 
shall be eligible to the office of pi\;:-ident ; neither shall any per- 
son be eligible to that office, who shall not have attained to the 
age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident with- 
in the United States. 

In case of the removal of the president from office, or of his 
death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and du- 
ties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the vice-presi- 
dent, and the congress may by law pravide for the case of remo- 
val, death, resighation, or inability, both of the president and 
vice -president, declaring what officer shall then act as president^ 
and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be re- 
moved, or a president shall be elected. 

The president shall, at stated times, receive for his services, a 
compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished 
during tlie period for which he shall have been elected, and he 
shall not receive witliin that period any other emolument from 
the United States, or any of them. 

Before he enters on the execution of hi& office, he shall take 
the following oath or affirmation : 

" I do. solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute 
" the office of president of the United States, and will, to the best 
" of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the constitution of 
" the United States." 

Sec. 2. The president shall be commander in chief of the ar^^ 
my and navy of the United Stat s, and of the militia of the seve- 
ral states when called into the actual service of the United 
States ; he may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal 
officer in each of tlae executive departments,^ upon any subject 
relating to the duties of their respective offices, and he shall have 
power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the 
United States, except in cases of impeachment. 

He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of: 
the senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the- senators 
present concur ; and he shall nominate, and by and with the ad- 
vice and consent of the senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other 
public ministers and consuls, judges of the supreme court, and all 
17* 



198 APPENDIX. 

other (sffif^ers of the United States, -whose appointments are not 
herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by 
law. But the congress may by law vest the appointment of 
SMch inferior officers, as they think proper, in the president alone, 
in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments. 

The president shall have power to fill np all vacancies that 
Tn:iy happen during^ the recess of the senate, by granting com- 
missions v,-hich sliall expire at the end of their next session. 

Sec. 3. fie shall from time to time give the congress informa- 
tion of tlio state of the union, and recommend to their considera- 
tion such measures as he shall, Judge necessary and expedient; 
he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both houses,'br ei- 
ther of them, and in case of disagreement between tliem, with 
respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to 
i-^uch time as he shall tliink proper : he shall receive ambassa- 
dors and other public ministers ; he shall take care that the laws 
be faitlifiilly e^^^cuted, and shall commission all the officers of 
tjie United Stales. 

Sf.c. 1. Tlie president, vice-president, and all civil officers of 
the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment 
for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and 
misderacuuors. 

ARTICLE III. 

Szc. 1. The judicial power of the United States shall be 
vested in one ^supreme court, and in such inferior courts as tlie 
congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The 
iudges, both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their 
offices during good behavior, and shall, at stated times, receive 
for their services a compensation, which shall not be diminished 
-♦liiring their continuance in office. 

Sec. 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases in law 
and equity, arising under this constitution, the laws of the Uni- 
ted States, and treaties made^ or which shall be made, uu'ler their 
authority; to all cases afTecting ambassadors, other publie minr 
isters and consuls ; to all casss of admiralty and mai-itime juris- 
»iiction ; to controversies to which the United Stales shall be a 
party ; to controversies^ between two or more states, between a 
s^tate and citizens of another state, between citizens of different 
litates, between citizens of the same state claiming lands under 
grants of diflerent states, and between a state, or the citizens 
thereof, and foreign states, citizens or subjects. 

In all cases affecting ambas?adors, other public ministers and 
consuls, and those in which a state shall be a party, the supreme 
oourt shall have original jurisdiction. In all the other cases be» 
fore mentioned, the supreme court shall have appellale jurisdic- 
tion, both as to laAV and fact, with such exce}^tion?, aud under 
s\wh regulation?, as the congress .'^hall make. 



APf>ENDIX. 199 

The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall 
be by jury; and such trial shall be held in the state where the 
said crimes shall have been committed ; but when not committed 
within amy state, the trial shall be at such place or places as the 
congress may by law have directed. 

Sec. 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist only 
in levying; war against them, or in adherino; to their enemies, giv- 
ing them aid and comfort No person shall be convicted of trea- 
son, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt 
act, or on confession in open court. 

The congress shall have power to declare the punishment of 
treason ; but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of 
blood, or forfeiture, except during the life of the person at- 
tainted. 

ARTICLE IV, 

Sec. 1. Full faith and credit shall be given, in each state, to 
tlie public acts, records, and judicial proceedings, of every other 
state. And the congress may, by general laws, prescribe the 
manner in which such acts, records, and proceedings, shall be 
proved, and the effect thereof. 

Sec. 2. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all priv- 
ileges and immunities of citizens in the several states. 

A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other 
crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found in another state, 
shall, on demand of the executive authority of the state from 
which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the state hav- 
ing jurisdiction of the crime. 

No person held to service or labor, in one state, under 
the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence 
of any law or regulation therein, be discharged from such ser- 
vice or labor ; but shall be delivered up, on claim of the party 
to whom such service or labor may be due. 

Seg. 3. New states may be admitted by the congress into this 
union ; but no new state shall be formed or erected within the 
jurisdiction of any other state, nor any state be formed hy the 
junction of two or more states, or parts oT states, without the 
consent of the legislatures of tlie states concerned, as well as of 
the congress. 

The congress shall have power to dispose of, and make aH 
needful rules and r 'gulati ns respecting the territory or other 
property belonging to the. United States; and nothing in this 
oonstitution shall be so construed as to prejudice any claims of 
the United State>, <>r of any particular state. 

Sec. 4. Tliv? U)i)tcd States shall guaranty to every state in 
this union a repubiinm fcrDi of ^(nenimeut, and sliall protect 
each of them against iuvj-!o i : mii!, ri>. ;:"r>l!cation of the l.-^sris- 
iature,or of tlie exec'!ti\<% (v.lv ;i U'C L,ii;'tare cannot be con* 
veraed,) against domestic violcju.c. 



200 APPENDIX. 

ARTICLE V. 
The confess, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem 
it necessary, shall propose amendments to this constitution, or on 
the application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several 
states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, 
in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part 
of this constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three- 
fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three- 
fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may 
be proposed by the congress : Provided, that no amendment 
which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hun- 
dred and «ght shall in any manner affect the first and fourth 
clauses in the ninth section of the first article ; and that no state, 
without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the 
senate. 

ARTICLE VI. 

All debts contracted and engagements entered into, before the 
adoption of this constitution, shall be as valid against the United 
States under this constitution, as under the confederation. 

This constitution, and the laws cf the United States which 
shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or 
which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, 
shall be the supreme law of the land ; and the judges in every 
state shall be bound thereby, any thing in the constitution or 
laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding. 

The senators and representatives before mentioned, and the 
members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and 
judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several 
states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this con- 
stitution ; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qual- 
ification to any office or public trust under the United States. 

ARTICLE VIL 

The ratification of the conventions of nine states, shall be suf- 
ficient for the establishment of this constitution between the 
states so ratifying the same 

Done in Convention, by the unanimous consent of the states pre- 
sent, the seventeenth day of September, in the year of our 
Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the twelfth. 
lu witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our namesv 

GEORGE WASHINGTON, 

President J and Deputy from Virginia. 

NEW-HAMPSHIRE. MASSACHUSETTS. 

John Langdon, Nathaniel Gorhanii 

Nicholas Gilman. Rufus King, 



APPENDIX. 



201 



CONNECTICUT. 

William Sam'l Johnson, 
Roger Sherman. 

NEW-YORK. 

Alexander Hamilton. 

NEW-JERSEY. 

VfiUiam Livingston^ 
David Brearly, 
William Patterson, 
Jonathan Dayton. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Benjamin Franklin, 
Thomas Mifflin, 
Robert Morris, 
George Clymer, 
Thomas Fitzsimens, 
Jared Ingersoll, 
James Wilson, 
Governeur MoFris« 



John Dickinson, 
Richard Bassett, 
Jacob Broom. 

MARYLAND. 

James M'Henry, 
Daniel of St.Tho.Jenifei, 
Daniel Carroll. 

VIRGINIA. 

John Blair, 

James Madison, Jim. 

NORTH-CAROLINA. 

William Blount, 
Richard Dobbs Spaight, 
Hugh Wilhamson. 

SOUTH-CAROLINA. 

John Rutledge, 
Charles C. Pinckney, 
Pierce Butler. 

GEORGIA. 

William Few, 
Abraham Baldwin. 



DELAWARE. 

George Read, 

Gunning Bedford, Jun. 

Attest, William Jackson, Secretary^ 



202 APPENDIX. 

. AMENDMENTS 

TO THE 

Govistilutiow o? l\\e \]n\ted Slale«). 

Since the adoption of the foregoing constitution, the 
following amendments have been made, and ratified by 
the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states 
in the union : 

ARTICLE I. 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishraent of 
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ; or abridging 
the freedom of speech, or of tlie press ; or the right of the peo- 
ple peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a 
redress of grievances. 

ARTICLE 11. 

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a 
free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall 
aot be infringed. 

ARTICLE III. 

No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, 
without the consent of the owner ; nor in time of war, but in a 
manner to be prescribed by law. 

ARTICLE IV. 

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, 
papers, and eifscts, against unreasonable searches and seizures, 
shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon pro- 
bable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly 
describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to 
be seized. 

ARTICLE V. 

No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise 
infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a 
grand j ury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, 
or in the militia when in actual service in time of vi'ar or public 
danger ; nor shall any person be subject, for the same offence, to 
be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall be comvelled, 
in any criminal case, to be witness against himself; nor he de 
prived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law , 
nor shall private property be taken for public use, without yn: 
compensation. 



APPENDIX. 203 

ARTICLE VI. 
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right 
to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state 
and district wherein the crmae shall have been committed, which 
district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be 
informed of the nature and cause of the accusation ; to be con- 
fronted with the witnesses a°;ainst him ; to have compulsory 
process for obtaining witn^^-sses in his favor, and to have the as- 
sistance Oi counsel for his delence. 

ARTICEE VII. 

In suits at common law, wl^ere the value in controversy shall 
exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be pre- 
served, and no fact, tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-exam- 
ined hi any court of tiie United States, than according to the 
rules of the common lav/. 

ARTICLE VIIL 

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines im- 
posed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. 

ARTICLE IX. 

The enumeration, in the coiistitii^on, of certain rights, shall 
not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the 
people. 

ARTICLE X. 

The powers not delegated to th; United States by the consti- 
tution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the 
states respectively, or to the people. 

ARTICLE XI. 
The judicial power of the United States shall not be constru- 
ed to extend to any suit in law or e(r ily, commenced oi- prore- 
cuted against one of the Uniteci States, by citizens of another 
state, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign state. 

ARTICLE XIL 

The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by 
ballot lor president and vice-;>re-ident, one of whom, at least, 
shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with tJiemselves ; 
they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as presi- 
dent, and in distinct ballots the person vot^d for as vice-presi- 
dent ; and they shall malfe distinct lists of all persons voted for 
as president, and of all persons voted for as vice-pre&'dent, and 
of the number of votes tor each, which lists they shall sign and 
certify, and transmit sealed to tlie seat of government of the Uni- 
ted btatea, directed to the president of the senate ; the president 



^04 APPENDIX. 

of the senate shall, in the presence of the senate and house ot 
representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then 
be counted : the person having the greatest number of votes for 
president, shall be the president, if such number be a majority 
of the whole number of electors appointed ; and if no person 
have such majority, then from the persons having the highest 
numbers, not exceeding three, on the list of those voted for as 
president, the house of representatives shall choose immediately, 
by ballot, the president. But in choosing the president, the 
votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state 
having one vote : a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a 
member or members trom two thirds of the states, and a majori- 
ty of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. And it the 
house of representatives shall not choose a president, whenever 
the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth 
d.^y of March next following, then the vice-president shall act 
.IS president, as in the case of the death, or other constitutional 
disability, of the president. 

The person having the greatest number of votes as vice-pres- 
ident, shall be the vice-president, if such number be a majority 
of the whole number of electors appomted ; and if no person 
have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, 
the senate shall choose the vice-president : a quorum for the 
purpose shall consist of two thirds of the whole number of sena- 
tors, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a 
choice. 

But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of presi- 
dent, shall be eligible to that of vice-president of the United 
States. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

If any citizen of the United States shall accept, claim, receive, 
or retain any title of nobility or honor, or shall, without the 
consent of congiess, accept and retain any present, pension, of- 
fice, or emolument of any kind whatever, from any emperor, 
king, prince, or foreign power, such person shall cease to be a 
citizen of the United States, and shall be incapable of holdin* 
any office of trust or profit under them, or either of them. 



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